Flying Eagles join Ghana, Morocco, and three others in the last-eight as group stage concludes in Egypt; two more spots to be decided Friday
Six countries have officially secured their spots in the quarter-final stage of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON), following the conclusion of Thursday’s decisive group-stage matches in Egypt. Powerhouses such as Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Morocco lead the charge into the knockout round of the prestigious youth tournament, which continues to serve as a vital platform for discovering African football’s next generation of stars.
Also joining the last-eight lineup are Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), with two final spots still up for grabs when the group stage wraps up on Friday.
Ghana, Senegal Secure Crucial Wins
Ghana’s Black Satellites confirmed their progression with a gritty 1-0 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) on Thursday evening in Group C. Substitute Joseph Opoku was the hero, netting a late winner in the 84th minute to send the West African nation into the quarter-finals. Head coach Desmond Ofei praised his team’s patience and discipline, emphasizing that the players had earned the win with their composure and hard work.
“We didn’t rush the game. That was very important,” Ofei told reporters after the match. “The boys controlled the game, worked the ball well, and stayed patient even when the goal didn’t come early. I’m happy for them — they earned this win.”
Elsewhere, reigning champions Senegal reinforced their status as tournament favourites with a commanding 2-0 win over DR Congo. The result sees both nations advance, with DR Congo clinching second place in the group on goal difference.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles Through Despite Draw
On Wednesday, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw against Kenya, a result that ensured their qualification from Group B. Despite defensive lapses, the seven-time U-20 African champions did enough across their group matches to claim a place in the quarter-finals.
Flying Eagles head coach Ladan Bosso admitted his side had room for improvement but praised their fighting spirit. “We’ve qualified, and that’s the most important thing at this stage,” Bosso said. “But we must improve our game management going forward. The knockout phase will be ruthless.”
Nigeria’s progress has been powered by standout performances from midfield dynamo Daniel Daga and striker Charles Agada, both of whom have caught the attention of scouts from top European clubs attending the tournament.
Morocco Outclass Tunisia to Book Spot
North African giants Morocco joined the quarter-final cast with an emphatic 3-1 win over regional rivals Tunisia. In a match filled with intensity and flair, Morocco displayed clinical finishing and superior tactical organization, leaving Tunisia stunned and eliminated.
Morocco finished top of their group and are expected to be one of the teams to watch in the quarter-finals. Their fluid, attacking style has impressed fans and analysts alike, with winger Yassine El Mahdi emerging as one of the breakout stars of the tournament so far.
Sierra Leone’s Surprise Progression
Sierra Leone has emerged as one of the surprise qualifiers for the last-eight. The West African nation, not traditionally known for success in youth competitions, displayed resilience and tactical growth throughout the group stage. Their progression marks a significant achievement for the country’s football development program and adds a fresh narrative to the knockout rounds.
“We’ve worked hard for this moment,” said Sierra Leone U-20 head coach Abubakarr Kamara. “The boys believed from day one, and now we’re seeing the rewards.”
Two More Spots Still Up for Grabs
With six teams already confirmed, the remaining two quarter-final places will be determined on Friday when Group D concludes.
Co-hosts Egypt face a crucial encounter against Tanzania, with both teams tied on points and eyeing a quarter-final berth. Meanwhile, South Africa and Zambia square off in a match that is being billed as a virtual knockout clash.
The winners of Friday’s matches will complete the quarter-final bracket, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 12.
Quarter-Final Line-Up So Far:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Senegal
- Morocco
- Sierra Leone
- DR Congo
Pending:
- Egypt or Tanzania
- South Africa or Zambia
Knockout Stage Anticipation Builds
With the group stage wrapping up, excitement is building for what promises to be a fiercely contested quarter-final phase. All six qualified teams have shown moments of brilliance, and the addition of the final two contenders will only intensify the competition.
CAF officials have praised the tournament’s organization and competitive quality, noting the growing visibility and importance of youth football on the continent.
“The U-20 AFCON is a critical step in developing the future stars of African football,” said CAF Youth Competitions Director Boubacar Diarra. “We are witnessing top-level talent, strong tactical displays, and incredible national pride from all participating countries.”
What’s Next?
The quarter-finals are set to kick off Monday, with match pairings to be confirmed following Friday’s results. All eyes will be on Egypt and South Africa to see if they can join the elite eight and keep their title hopes alive.
For now, the likes of Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal have shown they are ready for the challenges ahead, each hoping to lift the trophy and make a statement about the future of African football.
Stay tuned for full coverage of the knockout stage, player profiles, and in-depth analysis as the road to the 2025 U-20 AFCON title continues in Egypt.
