CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations: Key information ahead of Sunday's kickoff

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The 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations begins on Sunday in Egypt, running from April 27 to May 18.

The tournament features 13 national teams, divided into three groups: one group of five teams and two groups of four teams each.

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

The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19.

Tournament Groups

• Group A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania

• Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco

• Group C: Senegal, Central African Republic, Congo, Ghana

The opening match will see hosts Egypt face South Africa on Sunday, April 27, at 6pm GMT at Cairo International Stadium. The 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations will run from April 27 to May 18.

Key Facts and Statistics

• Nigeria is the most successful team in U-20 AFCON history with seven titles, followed by Ghana and Egypt with four titles each.

• Six former champions are participating in this edition: Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia.

• Egypt and Nigeria are the most frequent participants in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with each making their 19th appearance including the upcoming 2025 edition, followed by Cameroon with 16 appearances and Ghana with 15.

• Nigeria remains the only team to have won four consecutive titles (1983, 1985, 1987, and 1989).

• Senegal, the reigning champions, won their first title in 2023.

• Kenya and Sierra Leone will both make their debut appearances at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in this edition, as the tournament's only debutants.

• Ivory Coast has reached three finals without ever winning the title – the only nation with such a record.

• Nigeria has reached the semi-finals 16 times out of 24 editions, the highest in tournament history.

• Egypt is hosting the tournament for the third time, after hosting in 1991 (when they won the title) and in the last edition in 2023.

Who has won the U-20 AFCON?

• 2023: Senegal

• 2021: Ghana

• 2019: Mali

• 2017: Zambia

• 2015: Nigeria

• 2013: Egypt

• 2011: Nigeria

• 2009: Ghana

• 2007: Congo

• 2005: Nigeria

• 2003: Egypt

• 2001: Angola

• 1999: Ghana

• 1997: Morocco

• 1995: Cameroon

• 1993: Ghana

• 1991: Egypt

• 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989: Nigeria

• 1981: Egypt

• 1979: Algeria (first-ever edition)