U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles draw Egypt, South Africa, Morocco

By Olaolu Joseph

Seven-time champions Nigeria will face tough opponents Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco in the group stage of this year’s Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18.

The Flying Eagles defeated host nation Egypt 1-0 in a group-stage match at the previous edition of the tournament and will aim for a strong start in Côte d’Ivoire to build momentum for the competition. Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago.

Former Malian player Adama Coulibaly, who assisted during the draw at CAF headquarters in Egypt on Thursday, commented: “There is no doubt that the toughest group is Group B, which has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.”

Host nation Côte d’Ivoire will face DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and a yet-to-be-determined Central Africa zone representative in a five-team Group A.

Defending champions Senegal head Group C, which includes Zambia and tournament debutants Kenya and Sierra Leone.

The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed finishers, will qualify for the quarterfinals.

Group A: Côte d’Ivoire, UNIFFAC (Central Africa), DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania
Group B: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco
Group C: Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone