CAIRO – Host nation Egypt will head into the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 as one of the tournament favourites, buoyed by a passionate home crowd and a legacy of youth football excellence.
Drawn into Group A alongside Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania, the Young Pharaohs will be aiming to make a strong statement on home soil as they pursue a fifth continental crown.
Despite securing the right to host the tournament following Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal, Egypt had already booked its place the hard way—on the pitch.
The tournament, scheduled to run from April 27 to May 18 2025, will feature 13 nations battling for continental supremacy and four qualification spots to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Chile 2025.
This year’s edition marks Egypt’s 14th appearance at the U-20 AFCON, a competition they have won four times (1981, 1991, 2003, and 2013). Only Nigeria, with seven titles, boasts a better record.
After resuming the organisation of the CAF U-20 AFCON after the last-minute withdrawal of Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt will approach the competition as favourites.
They share Pool A with Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania. The country of the Pharaohs will be able to rely not only on its talents but also on the support of the public to try to do well.
Even before winning the status of host country at the very last minute, Egypt had already negotiated its qualification on the field, at the end of the qualifiers that it hosted from November 14 to 26, 2024.
The Young Pharaohs had snatched one of the two tickets at stake by finishing in second place, behind Morocco.
This year, Egypt will honour its fourteenth participation in the Junior Africa Cup of Nations.
The country has one of the best records in the tournament with four trophies won (1881, 1991, 2003 and 2013).
Only Nigeria, the record holder with 7 trophies won in this tournament, has done better. The country has also played in eight editions of the Junior World Cup, finishing third in 2001.
Ahmed Kabakawill be one of the Egyptian players to watch during this tournament that his country is hosting from April 27 to May 18, 2025.
The 19-year-old on loan from Al-Ahly to Future FC was joint top scorer in the UNAF qualifiers with two goals.
He is a midfielder with overflowing technical qualities who plays a valuable role in the organization of the Egyptian game. Very present in the animation, he can also be found at the conclusion of actions, as illustrated by his two goals at the last UNAF tournament.
Mohamed Zaalouk, Al-Ahly striker, also on loan to Future FC, represents an impressive attacking asset for the Egyptian national team.
His technical qualities and efficiency in front of goal will be crucial for Egypt in their quest for a fifth African title.
Coach Osama Nabih took over the reins of the Egyptian national team after the resignation of Brazilian coach Rogerio Micale who qualified the Young Pharaohs last November.
The 50-year-old technician, former Zamalek player and winner of the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations is a rigorous tactician. If he likes to see his team play well, he also knows how to provide the tactical response against a solid opponent.
As the host country, Egypt will be a tough opponent to play against. In addition to the qualities recognized to the team, it should also rely on the law of domicile to maximize its chances and get results.
The draw revealed exciting group-stage fixtures, promising a thrilling start to the competition.
In Group B, record seven-time champions Nigeria are drawn alongside former winners Tunisia, as well as Kenya and Morocco, setting the stage for some of the tournament’s most anticipated matches.
Defending champions Senegal begin their title defence in Group C, which also includes the Central African Republic, DR Congo, and Ghana — the latter aiming to reclaim the title they won in 2009, the same year they became the only African team to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The top two teams from each pool, along with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals.
