The stage is set for a thrilling week in African youth football, as the continent’s brightest young talents gear up for crucial matches and qualifiers that could shape the future of the game. From the high-stakes semi-final showdown between Ghana and Nigeria in Côte d’Ivoire, to the upcoming U-17 AFCON CECAFA qualifiers in Ethiopia, and South Africa’s U-20 squad bracing for their FIFA World Cup opener in Chile, the excitement is palpable and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
First up, all eyes turn to the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, where the Black Starlets of Ghana are set to lock horns with their perennial rivals, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria, in the semi-finals of the ongoing WAFU Zone B U17 Boys Championship. Scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 7:00 pm local time, this match is more than just a battle for a spot in the final—it’s a ticket to the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco next year. The winner of this much-anticipated clash will automatically secure qualification, adding an extra layer of pressure and motivation for both squads.
The Black Starlets enter this encounter riding high after a convincing 3-1 victory over Niger in their final Group A match—a performance that has reignited belief among fans and pundits alike. Ghana’s young guns displayed renewed vigor and tactical discipline to overcome Niger, booking their place in the last four and setting up a classic rivalry match against Nigeria. The Golden Eaglets, meanwhile, have been nothing short of dominant in Group B, finishing the group stage undefeated and solidifying their reputation as one of the continent’s most consistent youth sides. With both teams boasting a legacy of success at this level, the upcoming semi-final promises fireworks and a showcase of raw African footballing talent.
“This fixture reignites one of the fiercest rivalries in African youth football, promising an intense and entertaining contest,” noted GFA Communications. The stakes are clear: a place at the continental showpiece in Morocco is on the line, and both teams are eager to seize the opportunity. For the Black Starlets, the rejuvenated performance against Niger has instilled confidence, while Nigeria will be determined to maintain their dominance and secure yet another berth at the AFCON.
But the action doesn’t stop there. Across the continent, preparations are well underway for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 CECAFA qualifiers, set to take place in Ethiopia from November 15 to November 30, 2025. Yusuf Mossi, the CECAFA Competitions Manager, confirmed to Cecafaonline that ten Member Associations have entered their teams for the qualifiers, a marked increase from the six teams that participated in the previous edition. “We closed the registration late last month and I can confirm that ten teams will take part in the qualifiers to be hosted by Ethiopia,” Mossi stated, adding that the dates could be subject to adjustment as final preparations are made.
The ten teams confirmed for the qualifiers are Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Somalia, Djibouti, and Kenya. This expanded field underscores the growing investment and interest in youth football across East and Central Africa. The qualifiers represent a critical pathway for these nations to secure a place at the U-17 AFCON and, ultimately, a shot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. It’s a testament to the region’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with a platform to shine on the continental and global stage.
Looking back, the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA qualifiers saw just six teams compete, with Uganda emerging as champions on home soil. That tournament served as a springboard for the Ugandan squad, who went on to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025, set to be held in Qatar this November. In total, ten teams—including Uganda—secured their spots for the World Cup, reflecting the strength and depth of African youth football.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s U-20 football team, affectionately known as Amajita, are preparing to launch their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign in Chile. Their opening match takes place on Monday night, September 29, 2025, against a formidable French side at Estadio El Teniente. Kickoff is set for 10pm local time, and anticipation is running high as Amajita look to build on their success as reigning African champions at the junior level.
Goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, a key figure in Amajita’s recent triumph at the junior Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in May 2025, spoke with optimism about the squad’s prospects. “We are all very confident. I mean, individual accolades are nice, but it would not have been possible without everyone in the team, from defence to attack. Our defensive unit is powerful and the team in general is gelling really well,” Smythe-Lowe said. He went on to emphasize the importance of unity and the environment fostered by coach Raymond Madaka: “The values we have and the unity we’ve developed are a result of everybody. The environment that the coach [Raymond Madaka] has presented for us has developed over two years now. From the first camp in Lesotho, we’ve developed really well. We are a cohesive unit, we are close together and that’s going to be a good thing going abroad and performing at the highest level.”
Amajita find themselves in Group E alongside France, the United States, and New Caledonia. After facing France on September 29, they will go up against New Caledonia on Friday, October 3, and conclude their group phase matches against the US on Sunday, October 5. Smythe-Lowe made it clear that the team’s focus is on collective achievement: “It’s obviously massive because the number one thing we have to do is go there and perform to make the country proud. We must just put in our all and if individual players or a combination of players get recognition from that, that’s all we can use for. But our primary objective is to go there and play for our country and the badge that is on our shirt and make them proud.”
With so much at stake across multiple tournaments and qualifiers, African youth football is experiencing a moment of remarkable energy and promise. The coming days will reveal which teams can translate potential into results, secure their places at continental and global tournaments, and inspire a new generation of players and fans. Whether it’s the fierce rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria, the expanded field in the CECAFA U-17 qualifiers, or Amajita’s quest for World Cup glory, the drama is only just beginning.
As the action unfolds, fans across Africa and beyond will be watching closely, eager to see which young stars rise to the occasion and etch their names into the rich tapestry of African football history.
