By Amaechi Agbo
Three of Africa’s four representatives — Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa — have booked their spots in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, after a thrilling conclusion to the group phase on Sunday night.
Only Egypt missed out narrowly despite their spirited 2-1 win over hosts Chile in Santiago.
Morocco, the standout African team so far, topped Group C with two impressive victories – against Spain and Brazil – before a narrow defeat to Mexico.
The Atlas Cubs will now face Korea Republic in Rancagua on Thursday, 9 October, with the winner set to meet either Italy or the USA in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria, meanwhile, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after a battling 1-1 draw with Colombia in Talca.
The Flying Eagles had earlier edged Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a dramatic group clash and will now face Argentina in Santiago — a repeat of their memorable encounters in past youth tournaments.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu praised his side’s resilience:
“It wasn’t easy but we stood our ground and were proactive. We knew they are physically strong and good on the ball so we tried to deny them passing lanes. All we wanted was to qualify for the next round.”
For South Africa, it has been a breakthrough campaign. The Amajita, reigning African U-20 champions, sealed their qualification with a 2-1 win over the USA, their second victory of the tournament after hammering New Caledonia 5-0.
The result sends them into a tough last-16 clash against Colombia on Wednesday, 8 October in Talca.
Coach Raymond Mdaka lauded his side’s progress, saying: “The players have shown great maturity and hunger to compete at this level. We believe we can go further if we remain disciplined and take our chances.”
While Morocco’s tactical discipline, Nigeria’s fighting spirit, and South Africa’s attacking flair have given the continent much to cheer about, Egypt’s exit was a cruel blow, nonetheless
Despite defeating hosts Chile 2-1 in their final group match, the Young Pharaohs missed out on qualification due to an inferior fair-play record — finishing level on points but with more yellow cards than the South Americans.
The performances of the African teams have reignited optimism about the continent’s growing influence in world youth football, as all three surviving nations now aim to emulate Ghana’s famous 2009 U-20 World Cup triumph.
The knockout round fixtures offer no easy paths, but African hopes remain alive in Chile 2025.
Morocco to face Korea Republic in Rancagua
Group C winners Morocco have emerged as one of the standout sides of the competition so far, having beaten Spain and Brazil before a narrow defeat to Mexico in their final match.
The Atlas Cubs will now face Korea Republic in Rancagua on Thursday, 9 October, with the winner set to play either Italy or the USA in the quarter-finals.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s side has impressed with its tactical discipline and attacking flair, led by rising stars Othmane Maamma and Yassir Zabiri, whose goals propelled the North Africans to first place in their group.
Morocco, making their return to the U-20 global stage after two decades, have become one of the tournament’s dark horses — and they now stand just one win away from matching Africa’s best performance at this level since Ghana’s 2009 triumph.
Nigeria set for heavyweight clash with Argentina
Six-time African champions Nigeria will face a familiar foe in Argentina after finishing third in Group F but qualifying as one of the best third-placed sides.
The Flying Eagles drew 1-1 with Colombia in their final group match, a result that sealed their passage to the last 16.
The West Africans, who edged Saudi Arabia 3-2 earlier in the group, will now take on the South Americans in Santiago on Wednesday, 8 October.
The encounter rekindles a long-standing rivalry between the two nations, having met several times in youth tournaments over the years.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu believes his side has what it takes to go further: “It wasn’t easy but we stood our ground and were proactive.
“We knew they are physically strong and good on the ball so we tried to deny them passing lanes. All we wanted was to qualify for the next round, and we’re ready for whoever comes next.”
South Africa brace for Colombia test
Reigning African U-20 champions South Africa also made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time since Egypt 2009.
The Amajita finished second in Group E after a 2-1 win over the USA, having earlier demolished New Caledonia 5-0.
They will now face Colombia in Talca on Wednesday, 8 October, in what promises to be a test of their tactical maturity and attacking depth.
Coach Raymond Mdaka has praised his side’s spirit and believes the confidence from recent performances can propel them even further.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but we want to go further. The players have shown great hunger and belief, and we’ll keep working to improve our efficiency in front of goal.”
African hope alive
While Egypt were eliminated on fair-play points despite a spirited 2-1 win over Chile, Africa’s presence remains strong at the business end of the tournament.
The continent’s three remaining teams now carry the torch — with Morocco’s precision, Nigeria’s resilience, and South Africa’s flair providing a blend that could yet shape the destiny of Chile 2025.
