2025 U-17 AFCON Morocco..The great continental meeting of African prodigies

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.

The golden youth of African football is preparing to light up the Moroccan pitches. From March 30 to April 19, 2025, the Kingdom of Morocco will host the 15th edition of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations "TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2025." A tournament with a dual objective: to crown the continent's kings in this age category, and to distribute ten precious tickets to the FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled for later this year in Qatar.

An expanded and more ambitious AFCON than ever

For the first time in the history of the competition, 16 nations will be on the starting line. This expanded format demonstrates the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) commitment to making this U-17 AFCON a showcase of African excellence, a springboard to the top of world football. Because here, amidst the inspired dribbling, pinpoint passes, and fiery celebrations, the future of African football will be shaped.

CAF has officially announced the full schedule, match times, and the four Moroccan venues that will host the competition:

• Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia

• Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca

• Stade de Berrechid (also in Casablanca)

• Stade El Abdi in El Jadida

Royal Kickoff: Morocco vs. Uganda in the spotlight

The festivities will begin at El Bachir Stadium on Saturday, March 30th at 10:00 PM (GMT). And what a match to kick off the tournament: Morocco, the host country and serious contender, will take on Uganda, champion of the CECAFA (East Africa) zone, in a match that promises to be decisive for the future. The young "Atlas Lions" will carry the hopes of an entire nation, galvanized by a supportive crowd and ambitious coaching staff.

The next day, a hearty menu awaits: Tanzania vs. Zambia at 2:00 PM to round out the first matchday of Group A, then two tough Group B matches in Casablanca: Burkina Faso vs. Cameroon at 5:00 PM, followed by a highly anticipated clash between South Africa and Egypt at 8:00 PM. Two nations with solid credentials, two styles, and a shared ambition: to strike hard from the start.

Senegal, the reigning king, is eagerly awaited

Tuesday, April 1st, will mark the debut of Senegal, the reigning champion. The "Lion Cubs" will open Group C against their neighbors Gambia in El Jadida (2 p.m.), while Somalia, still relatively inexperienced at this level, will face Tunisia at 5 p.m.

In Group D, Mali—fourth in 2023—will have to be wary of Angola, one of the newcomers, in a duel scheduled for 5 p.m. Finally, Côte d'Ivoire, crowned in 2013, will close out this first round against the Central African Republic at 8 p.m.

Ten tickets to the World Cup: an unprecedented challenge

This 2025 edition not only crowns the continental champion. It also awards 10 tickets to the U-17 World Cup, an expanded quota that reflects the continent's growing excellence in this age category. For many national teams, the Qatari dream is an additional motivation, a tangible goal.

In short, the TotalEnergies Morocco U-17 AFCON 2025 promises to be an intense spectacle, revealing talent, but also strategic. Behind each match lies a stake: a ticket to Doha, a place in history, or simply the emergence of a future star. Who will succeed Senegal? Can Morocco shine at home? And which unknown faces will step into the spotlight, never to be seen again?

Kickoff is imminent. Africa is holding its breath.