Morocco has been granted the honor of hosting the next two editions of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), solidifying its status as a key player in the development of football on the African continent, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.
The announcement was made during the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee meeting on December 16, held in Marrakech alongside the 2024 CAF Awards.
The first tournament is set to take place from March 30 to April 19, 2025, marking a significant addition to Morocco's growing repertoire of major football events. The decision highlights Morocco’s ability to deliver world-class football infrastructure and its commitment to promoting the sport among younger generations.
Morocco's Growing Role in African Football
This announcement follows Morocco’s successful hosting of other prominent football events in recent years, including the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The country has invested heavily in football facilities, with its infrastructure, such as the Mohammed VI Football Complex, considered among the best in the world. Morocco’s reputation as a reliable host underscores its importance to the future of African football.
Qualified Teams and Tournament Format
Eight teams have already secured their spots in the upcoming tournament: Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, Angola, Zambia, and Mali. Four additional slots remain to be filled, with the qualifiers for the CECAFA (East and Central Africa) and UNIFFAC (Central Africa) regions yet to take place.
A total of 12 teams will compete in the championship, with 10 of them earning qualification spots for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. This is a significant development, as FIFA recently expanded Africa’s slots for the global tournament from 4 to 10, reflecting the region’s growing prominence in youth football.
The Significance of Hosting
Morocco's role as host is expected to bolster the country's youth football programs and provide a platform for young talents to shine on the international stage. The tournament will also attract attention from scouts and stakeholders worldwide, offering opportunities for African players to showcase their skills.
With the backing of CAF and its robust sports development strategy, Morocco’s hosting of the U-17 AFCON in both 2025 and 2026 is poised to inspire a new generation of footballers while reinforcing the country’s leadership in African football.
Oluwayemi Omolagba