Four coveted spots in Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 will reach boiling point as the quarter-final match of the TotalENergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations takes place in three Egyptian cities on Monday.
With each of the four semi-finals guaranteed World Cup tickets, today’s match is no longer just about the pride of the continent. These are about survival, heritage and place at the global stage.
“It’s like a final,” Nigerian coach Aliyu Zubair said ahead of the Titanic clash with the team’s defending champion Senegal.
“We know what to expect. It’s a big match for both teams as the winner goes to the World Cup. We have to be disciplined for 90 minutes and make up our minds.”
The Flying Eagles, Africa’s most decorated U-20 side with seven titles, are unbeaten, but under scrutiny, following a nervous 2-2 draw with Kenya.
Their opponent, Senegal, stumbled early, but revived the campaign with a decisive 2-0 victory over Dr. Congo. It’s a heavyweight battle against the high stakes, as both sides know that only victory will do that.
Later in Suez, host Egypt has national hopes for luxury Ghana.
The Black Satellite, the recipient of Group C and former World Champion himself, arrives as favorites, but Egyptian Coach Osama Navi lends banks to resilience and home support.
“We’ve been experiencing difficult situations due to injuries and fatigue,” Navi admitted.
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“But we are armed with a spirit of fighting and are determined to make our fans happy. We know the importance of this match. It’s our chance to compete in the World Cup in 12 years.”
Undefeated with group stages and solid title candidates, Morocco faces Sierra Leone, a surprise package of competition.
The West Africans surprise Egypt 4-1 in the group stage, hoping for the first U20 AFCON to appear.
“We respect Sierra Leone, but we know our strengths,” said Moroccan coach Mohamed Warbi. “We rely on techniques, combinations, tactical organizations. We need to remain true to our identity.”
In Ismailia, South Africa’s Amageta will face Dr. Congo, who could be the finest and most subdued fixture of the day.
South Africa was stable when there was dissatisfaction during the group phase, while the Congolese showed both firepower and vulnerability. It is a tactical battle that can be determined by fine margins.
These quarterfinals are more than just knockout fixtures, making or break showdowns that define careers and rewrite history.
With locations in Chilean, expect a lack of drama, grit and heartbreak.
TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON EGYPT 2025 Quarterfinals
12H00 GMT | Nigeria vs Senegal
15H00 GMT | Ghana vs Egypt
15H00 GMT | Morocco vs Sierra Leone
18h00 gmt | South Africa vs. Congo doctors
