The countdown to the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, is embodied with a splash of excitement as CAF revealed the tournament’s brand-new trophy and logo 96 hours before the tournament opener on March 30. Anticipation is building for what promises to be a showcase of emerging African football talent.
The host nation, Morocco, will take on Uganda in the opening match at the 10,000-capacity El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia at 10 PM (GMT+1), setting the stage for a tournament filled with youthful energy, skill, and ambition.
A Trophy That Symbolizes a Path to Greatness
The newly designed trophy, unveiled alongside the revamped logo, is infused with deeper meaning and symbolism. Dubbed “Journey Begins,” the innovative design represents the early steps of young players on their path to footballing greatness.
The trophy features a road-like structure, symbolizing the players’ journey toward legendary careers, while the integrated map of Africa reflects the pride, unity, and shared ambition of the continent.
The logo echoes the trophy’s design, incorporating a strong foundation that signifies CAF’s role in nurturing the next generation of African football stars. Together, the trophy and logo reflect renewed energy, passion, and purpose, perfectly aligning with the tournament’s mission to inspire and develop young talent.
Historic Firsts and High Stakes: What’s at Stake?
For the first time in its history, the U-17 AFCON will feature 16 teams, up from the previous 12-team format, further widening the platform for Africa’s rising stars to shine on the continental stage.
In addition to vying for the coveted title, teams will compete for qualification spots in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Africa’s top 10 teams from this tournament will represent the continent at the expanded global event later in the year.
Host Nation Morocco Ready to Welcome Africa’s Best
The tournament will be hosted across three cities—Casablanca, Mohammedia, and El Jadida—in four stadiums. Morocco, a powerhouse in African football, was officially named host of the tournament during the CAF Executive Committee meeting on December 16, 2024, held alongside the CAF Awards in Marrakesh.
The reigning U-17 AFCON champions, Senegal, will look to defend their title against a strong lineup of challengers.
Group Draw: The Road to Glory
The 16 participating teams have been drawn into four competitive groups:
- Group A: Morocco (hosts), Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia
- Group B: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt
- Group C: Senegal, Gambia, Somalia, Tunisia
- Group D: Mali, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic
Each group promises mouth-watering clashes as top footballing nations and emerging sides lock horns to advance through the stages.
A reminder of the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 groups 𝗼𝗻𝗲 day ahead of action! 🤩
What are your predictions? pic.twitter.com/RKoBNCmvCh
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) March 29, 2025A New Era for African Youth Football
With its bold new look, expanded format, and high stakes, the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON, Morocco 2025 signals a fresh era for youth football in Africa. From electrifying moments on the pitch to the unity symbolized by the tournament’s new trophy, the event promises to be a celebration of talent, resilience, and the shared dream of footballing excellence.
Who will rise, who will conquer, and who will earn their place on the world stage? Stay tuned to Modzero Sports as the journey begins!
Settle in and relive some of the finest goals from the last #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 edition as we get ready for tomorrow’s kick-off. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/q165iC7BDN
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) March 29, 2025
