Somalia to know their U17 AFCON group opponents next week

Somalia is set to know their group opponent at the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday next week when the final draw for the competition is conducted at the Cercle National de l'Armée in Algiers, Algeria.

The tournament is slated for Algeria and will take place from 29 April to 19 May in the cities of Algiers, Constantine, and Annaba, the same cities which are currently hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Nur Mohamed Amin coached Somalia booked their spots as one of the two finalists from the CECAFA region qualifiers, a tournament they won on to be crowned champions in as they floored South Sudan 3-1 in the final courtesy of goals from Abdihafid Mohamed Abdi and Abdirahin Mohamed Dahir's double, with Ajo Minari Alex Lomoro finding the consolation for South Sudan.

A total of 12 teams are set to take part in the continental competition, with eleven sides joining hosts Algeria.

Morocco, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mali, South Africa, Congo, and Zambia are the other teams that have qualified for the competition besides the hosts, South Sudan, and Somalia.

Of the teams taking part in this year's competition, Nigeria and Mali boast two titles each with Burkina Faso being the only other side that has a title to it's name.

U-17 AFCON Qualifiers: Somalia crowned CECAFA champions

This will be the first edition that will see 12 teams compete following the expansion from eight

The ceremony is scheduled at 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT, 13:00 Cairo time) and will be live on CAF's digital platforms and partner TV channels.