Heavyweights collide as U20 AFCON quarter-final line-up takes shape
The quarter-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations promise a series of mouthwatering clashes as Africa’s most promising young talents square off in four high-stakes encounters on Monday, 12 May.
The standout tie sees seven-time champions Nigeria face reigning title holders Senegal in Ismailia in a battle that could decide this year’s favourite.
Nigeria topped Group B unbeaten but failed to convince in draws against Morocco and already-eliminated Kenya.
The Flying Eagles’ campaign started brightly with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, but recent results have raised concerns over their cutting edge.
Senegal, meanwhile, needed a final-day 2-0 victory over DR Congo to seal qualification as Group C runners-up. After a shaky start—drawing with Central African Republic and falling 1-0 to Ghana—Serigne Saliou Dia’s side rediscovered their form just in time.
They will now look to draw on the experience of 2023’s title-winning run to overcome Nigeria’s pedigree.
Elsewhere, Ghana, one of the tournament’s most consistent sides so far, will face hosts Egypt in Suez. The Black Satellites are the only team to have won all three of their group matches without conceding a goal, including a statement 1-0 victory over Senegal.
Their opponents Egypt, however, have had a rocky road to the quarter-finals.
The U20 Pharaohs opened with a win against South Africa but were stunned 4-1 by debutants Sierra Leone.
Despite a goalless draw with Zambia and a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania, they squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams. Coach Mahmoud Gaber will hope the home advantage helps steady his inconsistent side.
Morocco remain one of the favourites for the title, having topped Group B unbeaten despite injuries to key players. After edging Kenya 3-2 and drawing 0-0 with Nigeria, the Atlas Cubs sealed top spot with a commanding 3-1 win over Tunisia.
They now face tournament surprise Sierra Leone, whose fairytale run has seen them defeat hosts Egypt 4-1 before narrowly advancing from a tough Group A.
Completing the quarter-final line-up is South Africa against DR Congo, a tie between two sides that impressed in flashes but struggled with consistency.
Amajita finished top of Group A despite drawing with Egypt and Zambia and suffering a 1-0 loss to the hosts. DR Congo’s 3-1 win over CAR and opening draw with Ghana showed promise, but a 2-0 loss to Senegal exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
With the group stage complete and just eight teams remaining, the U20 AFCON enters its decisive phase. Will the favourites hold their nerve, or could a dark horse emerge to challenge for continental glory?