Africa’s three surviving representatives — Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa — have discovered their opponents for the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, as the knockout phase of the global youth showpiece takes shape. The trio successfully navigated a demanding group stage, showcasing Africa’s growing influence in world youth football, and now face new challenges as the tournament enters its decisive stage.
Group C winners Morocco have emerged as one of the standout sides of the competition so far, having beaten Spain and Brazil before suffering a narrow defeat to Mexico in their final match. The Atlas Cubs will now face Korea Republic in Rancagua on Thursday, October 9, with the winner set to play either Italy or the USA in the quarter-finals. Making their return to the U-20 global stage after two decades, Morocco have become one of the tournament’s dark horses and now stand just one win away from matching Africa’s best performance at this level since Ghana’s 2009 triumph.
Six-time African champions Nigeria are set for a heavyweight clash with 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, October 8. The encounter rekindles a long-standing rivalry between the two nations, having met several times in youth tournaments over the years.
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, October 8, 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. —CAF
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