U-17 AFCON 2023: Debutants Somalia land tough opponents in Group A

Somalia will face off with hosts Algeria, Senegal, and Congo after landing in Group A for the upcoming 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) according to a draw conducted on Wednesday.

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.

U-17 AFCON Qualifiers: Somalia crowned CECAFA champions

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), with Somalia and the entire Group A being stationed at Algiers for the group action.

Two-time winners of the competition Cameroon and Mali are in Group C alongside a one-time winner in Burkina Faso, with debutants South Sudan being the other team in the group.

Nigeria will also face a tough task in Group B where they play Morocco, South Africa, and Zambia and will have their base in the city of Constantine.

Three stadiums have been chosen to host the competition are the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine and the May 19, 1956 Stadium in Annaba.

The four semi-finalists of the U17 AFCON will qualify for the World Cup to be played later in the year.

FULL DRAW

Groupe A (Algier)

Algeria, Senegal, Congo, Somalia

Groupe B (Constantine)

Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, Zambia

Groupe C (Annaba)

Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, South Sudan