U20 AFCON: Nigeria, Morocco Qualify For Quarterfinal As North Africans Top Group B

U20 AFCON: Nigeria, Morocco Qualify For Quarterfinal As North Africans Top Group B

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria and Morocco are the first two countries to qualify for the quarter-final of the 2025 CAF U20 African Nations Cup after remaining unbeaten in First Round.

While Morocco topped the table with seven points, Nigeria the runners-up got five points to play their quarter-final games next Monday.

Morocco Under-20 completed an unbeaten group campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over North African rivals Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium, securing top spot in Group B of the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.

Ayman Arguigue’s first-half strike set the tone for the young Atlas Lions before late goals from Smail Bakhty and substitute Jones El Abdellaoui sealed the three points.

Tunisia briefly threatened a comeback when Anis Doubal equalised early in the second half, but they ultimately fell short and now face an anxious wait to see if they progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

The clash was billed as a winner-takes-all affair with both sides in contention for a knockout spot, depending on the result of the simultaneous fixture between Nigeria and Kenya, which ended 2-2.

That result meant Morocco’s win guaranteed them top place with seven points, while Nigeria finished second with five.

It was a deserved win for a Moroccan side who finish the group stage unbeaten, with their strong defensive unit and clinical forward line proving decisive. They’ve now gone nine group-stage matches without defeat in the competition.

For Tunisia, it’s another missed opportunity. Despite flashes of quality, their defensive frailties and inconsistent form see them end third in the group on three points, with a negative goal difference.

They will now hope to qualify for the quarter-finals as one of the two best third-placed teams, but the heavy nature of this defeat may prove costly.

Meanwhile, Nigeria came from behind twice to force Kenya into a 2-2 draw. The seven time U20 African Nations Cup champions finished the group unbeaten with five points but allowed Kenyans picking the only point in the tournament. The result meant Kenya are out of the competition.