African youth stars chase glory as U-20 AFCON kicks off in Egypt today
The TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 gets underway today, with hosts Egypt facing South Africa in the tournament’s opening match in Cairo.
The competition, which runs from 27 April to 18 May, brings together 13 nations battling for continental supremacy and four coveted places at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
Egypt head Group A alongside Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania. In today’s other Group A fixture, Zambia will take on tournament debutants Sierra Leone in Ismailia.
Egypt, three-time champions and one of the most successful nations at this level, are eager to reclaim the title they last won in 2013. Coach Osama Nabih believes his young Pharaohs are ready to rise to the occasion.
"Our players are focused and have the desire to achieve an honorable result at the start of the competition. They have a high spirit that was evident in training," Nabih said at Saturday’s pre-match press conference.
Nabih, a former Egyptian international, also warned that the margins are slim at this level. "African football is developing significantly and there is no big team and another small one. The tournament is difficult, and all levels are close together. Football only believes in giving and effort," he stressed.
The coach revealed that his technical staff has extensively studied Egypt’s group opponents, acknowledging that every team arrives with ambition and modern tactical approaches.
"We are confident in our players," Nabih added. "They are well aware of the challenge and determined to honour Egyptian football."
This year’s U-20 AFCON promises a high level of competition. Record seven-time champions Nigeria headline Group B alongside Morocco, Tunisia and Kenya. Defending champions Senegal open their campaign against Central African Republic in Group C, where they are joined by Ghana and DR Congo.
The tournament boasts a proud history of producing some of Africa’s biggest football stars, including Yaya Touré, Mohamed Salah, Patson Daka, and Benni McCarthy. Many more are expected to announce themselves on the big stage this year.
Beyond continental glory, the four semi-finalists will book their tickets to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, continuing Africa’s proud tradition of producing global stars.
Egypt’s match against South Africa is expected to draw a large crowd in Cairo, with local fans eager to see the next generation of talent. Meanwhile, Zambia will look to assert their pedigree against a spirited Sierra Leone side making their tournament debut.
With history, pride, and World Cup qualification at stake, the stage is set for an unforgettable edition of Africa’s premier youth competition.