The FIFA U20 World Cup begins in Chile right this moment, Saturday, with Africa’s hopes resting on 4 robust groups – South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco. Every of them can be aiming to win the trophy for the primary time since Ghana’s well-known triumph in 2009.
The event, working from 27 September to 19 October, is named the largest stage for younger soccer stars.
South Africa’s Amajita arrive stuffed with confidence after profitable their first-ever CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Could, beating Morocco 1-0 within the ultimate. Led by coach Raymond Mdaka, they’re positioned in Group E with France, the US, and New Caledonia. Their marketing campaign begins on Monday with a troublesome opening match in opposition to France in Rancagua.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are Africa’s most profitable U20 workforce, making their 14th look within the competitors. They’ve been runners-up twice, in 1989 and 2005. Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s aspect are in Group F with Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Colombia. Their first sport is in opposition to Norway on Monday in Talca.
Egypt’s Younger Pharaohs return after 12 years away, making their ninth look. They’ve historical past within the event, profitable bronze in Argentina in 2001. They’re drawn in Group A with hosts Chile, Japan, and New Zealand, they usually face Japan of their opening sport in Santiago right this moment.
Morocco’s Atlas Cubs are again for the primary time in 20 years, hoping to repeat their robust 2005 efficiency after they completed fourth. Nevertheless, they face a troublesome problem in Group C, labelled the “Group of Loss of life”, with Spain and Brazil as rivals. Their first take a look at can be in opposition to Spain on Sunday.
All 4 groups can be attempting to comply with within the footsteps of Ghana’s U20 class of 2009, who stay the one African aspect to elevate the trophy after beating Brazil within the ultimate.
