2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations: Full preview, schedule and how to watch

The 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations started on April 27 in Egypt. The tournament is generating significant interest across the continent.

What is the U-20 AFCON?

This competition was formerly called the African Youth Championship. It is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) every two years. It features players aged 20 and younger.

What is at stake?

The tournament offers a trophy, last won by Senegal two years ago. The next champion will be decided in the final on May 18. Additionally, four teams will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year. These slots go to the semi-finalists. In 2023, Gambia, Nigeria, and Tunisia joined Senegal at the global event in Argentina.

What teams are participating?

Thirteen teams are competing this year, one more than before. Six previous winners are in contention: Morocco, Zambia, Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana. Kenya and Sierra Leone are making their debuts. Other teams include Central African Republic (CAR), Tanzania, South Africa, and DR Congo. Egypt hosts for a second consecutive time after Ivory Coast withdrew.

Who are the players to watch?

The tournament features many talented young players who may become stars. Notable names include Omar Khedr (Aston Villa), Osman Kamara (Arsenal), Anis Doubal (Olympique Marseille), Naoufel El Hannach (Paris Saint-Germain), and Pierre Dorival (Olympique Lyon).

They will face competition from forwards like Kparobo Arierhi (Nigeria) and Jerry Afriyie (Ghana). Jody Ah Shene (South Africa) and Mohamed Zaalouk (Egypt) also shone during regional qualifiers.

Groups & Format

There are three groups:

- GROUP A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania
- GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco
- GROUP C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana

The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals along with two best third-placed teams.

How to watch

Games will be broadcast live on:

- CANAL+
- beIN Sport
- Time Sports
- CAF’s official YouTube channel (CAF TV)

For a full list of fixtures and times for the 2025 U-20 AFCON, visit [CAF's website](https://www.cafonline.com/caf-u-20-africa-cup-of-nations/news/where-to-watch-journey-begins-at-the-totalenergies-caf-africa-under-20-cup-of-nations-egypt-2025).