CAIRO, EGYPT — African football saw the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveil the draws for four major tournaments on Thursday, setting the stage for thrilling action across the continent.
These included the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), the inaugural CAF Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
CHAN Qualifying Draw Sets the Stage for Intense Action
The draw for the second qualifying stage of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the 2024 edition, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, was concluded in Cairo. Seven teams are now set to battle it out for a coveted spot in the finals.
In a significant turn, Algeria, the top-ranked team based on their impressive performances in the last three CHAN tournaments, has been granted a bye to the second round. The first-round matchups promise to deliver high drama, with the following fixtures drawn:
Comoros vs Malawi
South Africa vs Egypt
The Gambia vs Gabon
The matches will be pivotal in shaping the path to the finals, as these teams compete for a place in one of the continent’s premier football competitions, set to showcase the best of local talent across Africa.
Historic Moment for Women Futsal
On the same day, the CAF headquarters witnessed a landmark moment for African women’s football with the draw for the inaugural CAF Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from April 22 to 30, 2024, in Morocco. This tournament marks a groundbreaking step for women’s futsal, a discipline growing in popularity across the continent.
The nine participating nations learned their group stage opponents, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying competition. Morocco, the host nation, was drawn into Group A alongside Cameroon and Namibia. Group B will see Angola, Egypt, and Guinea face off, while Group C will feature Madagascar, Tanzania, and Senegal. With each team bringing their own unique flair and ambition, the tournament is expected to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination.
Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Draw Reveals Rivalries
The excitement didn’t end there, as CAF also conducted the Final Draw for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted in Côte d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18, 2025. The tournament will see 13 teams battling for both continental glory and four coveted spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later that year.
The draw produced some mouthwatering matchups, with reigning champions Nigeria placed in a challenging group alongside three former champions. The final draw, conducted by former Mali international Adama Coulibaly and Senegal legend Souleymane Camara, promises to deliver fierce competition from the very start.
As these major events unfold across Africa, the continent’s footballing landscape will be filled with anticipation and excitement. With each tournament offering a unique narrative, fans and players alike will be eagerly watching as these teams strive for excellence on the African stage.
Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations Draws a Roadmap to Morocco 2025
On the same day, the official Final Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place from March 30 to April 19, 2025, in Morocco, was conducted at CAF headquarters. The tournament will feature 16 African nations, all striving for glory and a chance to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The draw saw hosts Morocco headlined in Group A, alongside Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Burkina Faso, the bronze medalists from the last edition in Algeria, will face a tough group in Group B, with UNIFFAC 1 (Champions of the UNIFFAC Qualifiers), South Africa, and former champions Egypt. Meanwhile, reigning champions Senegal, who triumphed in a thrilling final against Morocco in the last edition, kick off their title defense in Group C against Gambia, Somalia, and 2013 bronze medalists Tunisia.
A Thrilling Year Ahead for African Football
As these four tournaments unfold across Africa, excitement is building among players, coaches, and fans alike. With each competition offering its own unique narrative and showcasing the best of African talent, the year ahead promises to be a monumental chapter in the continent’s football history. Fans across the world will be watching eagerly as Africa’s best teams and future stars compete for glory in these prestigious events.
CAF unveiled draws for four major tournaments, setting the stage for thrilling action, including CHAN 2024 and the inaugural Women’s Futsal AFCON.