RABAT — Egypt has officially secured a spot in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola in a decisive play-off match played in Morocco.
This win marks Egypt’s U-17 third qualification for the tournament, with previous appearances in 1987 and 1997.
The Young Pharaohs secured a 2–1 victory over Angola in the play-off match, clinching the 10th and final spot reserved for Africa at this youth World Cup.
The 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup edition will be the first under the new annual format featuring 48 teams, expanding opportunities for youth teams worldwide.
Determined to finish their continental journey on a high note, the young Egyptians took the lead in this decisive encounter. Abdel Karim opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a well-placed cross-shot, freeing his teammates from the pressure.
Just after the break, Hamza Mohamed doubled the lead in the 52nd minute, cementing Egypt’s dominance in the game.
Angola, who never gave up, responded late in the match through Didissa, who scored in the 83rd minute. However, the goal wasn’t enough to deny Egypt their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025, set to take place from November 10 to December 2 in Qatar.
With this win, Egypt becomes the 10th and final African team to qualify for the global tournament, joining Morocco, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Zambia, South Africa, Uganda, and Tunisia.
Elsewhere, for the first time in its history, a Ugandan team will take part in a FIFA World Cup.
The Ugandans won their play-off clash 2–1 against the The Gambia, securing their ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025.
The Ugandan forward, who coolly netted a brace, was the saviour in a tense encounter against a determined Gambian side. Already influential during the group stage, Bogere confirmed his status as a key player at a crucial moment, propelling the East African nation into a new era.
Trailing 1–0 after Gambia opened the scoring in the opening seconds, the young Cranes never panicked.
The equaliser came just before half-time, with Bogere finishing cleanly after a perfectly weighted pass slipped in behind the defence.
In the second half, Uganda created numerous dangerous opportunities, driven by a dominant midfield and a focused defence.
The winner came in the 78th minute, when Bogere struck a clinical cross-shot following a pinpoint assist from the excellent Yusuf Ssekamatte.
The final whistle sparked an eruption of joy on the Ugandan bench.
A historic qualification, the result of an ambitious youth development project and a close-knit squad.
