Somalia Anticipates U-17 AFCON Draw, Paving Their Path to the FIFA World Cup
Mogadishu (AX) — Amid the scenes of bustling markets and vibrant streets in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, whispers of hope rise, echoing with the dreams of young footballers poised to make history. The anticipation is palpable. On February 13, in the heart of Cairo where grand history resides, the next chapter for Somalia’s burgeoning football talent unfolds with the draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, precisely at 13:45 local time.
Is this the dawn of a new era for Somali football? For years, this sport in the nation has been overshadowed by the strife and trials that have so often defined its historical landscape. Remarkably, despite such challenges, the ever-resilient Somali spirit sees its young athletes on the cusp of greatness. By clinching third place in the CECAFA U-17 Zonal Qualifiers, they secured their ticket, marking Somalia’s continued presence in this prestigious tournament for the second time in succession.
Being part of the AFCON stage isn’t merely about the immediacy of competition; it’s about a broader vision, one that stretches all the way to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Ten African teams will challenge each other from November 5-27, 2025, for global recognition. Should Somali dreams take flight, they may yet find themselves among these ranks.
The journey of Somalia’s U-17 squad resembles an unexpected, yet welcomed renaissance, hearkening back to when football first whispered into the cultural fabric of the 1940s. During the nationalist movement, amidst the struggles for independence, football was more than just a game; it was a symbol of unity and hope. The formation of the Somali Football Federation in 1951 was a bold statement of a nation ready to stake its claim on the pitch. However, the ensuing decades of turmoil stifled these ambitions—until now.
The turning point? Flashback to 2022. A historic win in the CECAFA U-17 Championship brought newfound hope. Who can forget the exhilaration as Somalia triumphed over South Sudan, clinching a 3-1 victory? This moment of glory wasn’t just a win; it was a seminal moment. The ensuing journey to the 2023 U-17 AFCON in Algeria, where they bowed out after the group stage, marked a pivotal shift. Coach Nur Mohamed Amin called it “a proud moment for Somali football,” capturing a sentiment that resonated beyond the pitch, breathing life into Somali football aspirations.
Come 2025, the AFCON promises an expanded tournament featuring 16 teams. The grandeur of Morocco will host these young contenders from March 30 to April 19. With prestige comes pressure, and four teams have already been strategically seeded:
- Morocco, as the host, takes an automatic position in Group A1.
- Senegal, defending champions, commands the spot at C1.
- Burkina Faso, who claimed third place in 2023, is assigned B1.
- Mali, holding fourth place from 2023, occupies D1.
The twelve remaining teams, which include Somalia, await their fate with eager anticipation as they will be drawn from pots, cleverly placed to determine positions. From Pot 1, Somalia shares space with formidable footballing nations like Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa—each team brings its own drama and dreams to the table. The tournament will see the top two squads from each group move to the quarterfinals, automatically guaranteeing a place in the World Cup. Additionally, third-place teams will battle it out for the final selections.
Qualified Teams for U-17 AFCON 2025:
- Morocco (Host)
- Angola
- Burkina Faso
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Egypt
- Gambia
- Mali
- Senegal
- Somalia
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- UNIFFAC 1* (TBD)
- UNIFFAC 2* (TBD)
- Zambia
The draw will indeed be a spectacle, graced by none other than former Malian footballer Adama Coulibaly and the legendary Senegalese Souleymane Camara. Broadcasting live on CAF TV, their presence adds gravitas to an event that could irrevocably chart a new course for Somalia’s football trajectory.
To many, participation in consecutive AFCON tournaments signifies more than competition. It heralds an era where Somali youth football thrives under the careful gaze of international spectators. Patience and passion entwine, setting the stage for a brighter day for Somali players. The world watches with bated breath, waiting to see who these young athletes—the pride of a resilient nation—will meet on Africa’s most demanding stage.
Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring
