FIFA U20 World Cup: African Teams Set for Battle in Chile

The FIFA U20 World Cup begins in Chile today, Saturday, with Africa’s hopes resting on four strong teams – South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco. Each of them will be aiming to win the trophy for the first time since Ghana’s famous triumph in 2009.

The tournament, running from 27 September to 19 October, is known as the biggest stage for young football stars.

South Africa’s Amajita arrive full of confidence after winning their first-ever CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in May, beating Morocco 1-0 in the final. Led by coach Raymond Mdaka, they are placed in Group E with France, the United States, and New Caledonia. Their campaign begins on Monday with a tough opening match against France in Rancagua.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are Africa’s most successful U20 team, making their 14th appearance in the competition. They have been runners-up twice, in 1989 and 2005. Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s side are in Group F with Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Colombia. Their first game is against Norway on Monday in Talca.

Egypt’s Young Pharaohs return after 12 years away, making their ninth appearance. They have history in the tournament, winning bronze in Argentina in 2001. They are drawn in Group A with hosts Chile, Japan, and New Zealand, and they face Japan in their opening game in Santiago today.

Morocco’s Atlas Cubs are back for the first time in 20 years, hoping to repeat their strong 2005 performance when they finished fourth. However, they face a tough challenge in Group C, labelled the “Group of Death”, with Spain and Brazil as rivals. Their first test will be against Spain on Sunday.

All four teams will be trying to follow in the footsteps of Ghana’s U20 class of 2009, who remain the only African side to lift the trophy after beating Brazil in the final.