The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced that Egypt will host the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025. This decision comes after Côte d’Ivoire, the initial host, withdrew just weeks before the tournament was set to begin, citing unforeseen circumstances.
On March 28, 2025, CAF confirmed that the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Egyptian Government would take over hosting duties for the prestigious youth tournament. The tournament will kick off on April 27, 2025, with the final match scheduled for May 18, 2025.
Originally, Côte d’Ivoire was set to host the tournament from April 26 to May 18, but the Ivorian government’s last-minute decision to withdraw sent shockwaves through the football community. The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) officially communicated this withdrawal, with FIF President Yacine Idriss Diallo stating, “The government has notified the Ivorian Football Federation, via an official letter, of Ivory Coast’s withdrawal as the host country for the U20 AFCON.”
Despite the turmoil surrounding the change in hosts, the CAF wasted no time in awarding the tournament to Egypt, a nation with a rich footballing history and previous experience in hosting international tournaments. Egypt last hosted the U20 AFCON in 2003, where they emerged victorious on home soil.
As the tournament draws nearer, excitement is building among fans and players alike. The Egyptian squad, known as the Pharaohs, will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and aim for a strong performance. They will be competing in Group B alongside Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, along with the two best third-placed teams.
The Pharaohs have a storied history in the U20 AFCON, having claimed the title twice before, in 1991 and 2003. This legacy adds an extra layer of pressure as they prepare to face formidable opponents like Nigeria and Morocco. The Flying Eagles of Nigeria, in particular, have a reputation for being a strong contender in youth tournaments, making Group B one of the most competitive in this edition of the AFCON.
In addition to the excitement of the tournament itself, there are also significant implications for the teams involved. The semi-finalists of the U20 AFCON will automatically qualify for the 2025 U20 World Cup in Chile, heightening the stakes for all participating nations.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, fans are eagerly anticipating the opening match on April 27. The atmosphere in Egypt is expected to be electric, as supporters rally behind the national team, hoping to see the Pharaohs reclaim their status as champions of African youth football.
In the wake of Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal, the Egyptian Football Association has expressed its gratitude for the opportunity to host the tournament once again. The EFA has been proactive in ensuring that all preparations are in place to deliver a successful event, emphasizing their commitment to making the 2025 U20 AFCON a memorable experience for players and fans alike.
With the tournament just around the corner, discussions about the potential reasons behind Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal continue to circulate. While the official statement cited unforeseen circumstances, speculation regarding political and logistical issues remains rampant.
As the footballing world turns its attention to Egypt, the focus will be on how the tournament unfolds, the performances of the young talents, and whether Egypt can rise to the occasion once again. With a blend of anticipation and uncertainty, the 2025 U20 AFCON promises to be an exciting showcase of Africa’s future football stars.
As the host nation, Egypt is poised to make a strong impression on the global stage, and the tournament is expected to attract significant attention from scouts and fans worldwide. The combination of a passionate home crowd and the stakes involved makes for an exhilarating backdrop as teams prepare for battle.
In summary, the announcement of Egypt as the host of the U20 AFCON has set the stage for an exciting tournament filled with potential drama, rivalries, and the chance for young players to shine. As the days count down to the opening match, all eyes will be on Egypt, eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling competition.
