Africa’s four representatives at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile have been confirmed, with Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa securing qualification after reaching the semi-finals of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt.The quartet earned their spots following a dramatic and intense quarter-final round on Monday evening, where all matches went into extra time and two were decided via penalty shootouts.##NAJAVA_MECA_8925875##Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsNigeria, the most successful U-20 team on the continent, was the first to book a place in the tournament. They held their nerve to eliminate defending champions Senegal.After a goalless draw in regulation and extra time, the Flying Eagles triumphed 3-1 in the shootout, earning a record-extending 14th appearance at the global tournament.Morocco edged out Sierra Leone 1-0 after extra time, courtesy of a late own goal in the 115th minute. The tightly contested clash marked the end of Sierra Leone’s impressive debut campaign.Gor Mahia in line for second cup of the season on Madaraka DayHosts Egypt followed suit after a nail-biting encounter with Ghana. Despite letting a 2-0 lead slip, thanks to goals by Aziz Issah and Abdul Hakim Sulemana, the latter netting in the 11th minute of stoppage time, Egypt prevailed 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout.Moamen Sherrif Abdel had earlier put Egypt ahead with a quickfire brace in the 19th and 27th minutes.South Africa completed the semi-final lineup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo in extra time, thanks to Thabang Mahlangu’s decisive strike deep into added time.Bidco United head coach states importance of Shabana clash in relegation battleThe qualification of these four nations upholds Africa’s strong legacy at the U-20 World Cup. They now turn their focus to the semi-finals of the continental competition, with the ultimate goal of lifting the CAF U-20 title.The FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 will take place from Saturday, 27 September to Sunday, 19 October.Meanwhile, Kenya bowed out in the group stage after suffering defeats to Morocco and Tunisia and managing a draw against Nigeria, two of whom have now qualified for the World Cup.Mara Sugar suffer major blow in relegation battle after season-ending injury
