By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Africa has arrived — and this time, the world cannot ignore it.
At the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, the continent has made a historic statement: nine out of ten African nations have reached the knockout stage, an unprecedented show of depth, quality, and ambition from the continent’s youngest stars.
From North to South, East to West, Africa’s representation has been nothing short of dominant. Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Uganda, Mali, and South Africa all booked their tickets to the Round of 32, while only Ivory Coast bowed out after a brave effort.
Senegal led the charge, finishing top of their group — the only African side to do so — as they continue to build on the momentum of their golden generation. Behind them, South Africa, Zambia, Burkina Faso, and Mali impressed with second-place finishes, showing consistency and tactical balance against world-class opposition.
Even more remarkably, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Uganda forced their way through as best third-placed teams, ensuring Africa will have representation in every corner of the bracket when the knockouts begin.
Here’s what awaits the African hopefuls:
Japan vs South Africa
Austria vs Tunisia
Senegal vs Uganda
Germany vs Burkina Faso
Switzerland vs Egypt
USA vs Morocco
Zambia vs Mali
Every tie is a test of Africa’s collective progress — a chance to show that the continent’s investment in youth football is beginning to bear fruit.
From Dakar to Kampala, Lusaka to Rabat, the message is the same: Africa is competing. Africa is confident. Africa is ready.
The road to the Round of 16 begins now, and once again, the world will be watching as Africa’s future takes centre stage.
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