Somalia and Tunisia set for high-stakes CAF U-17 AFCON opener in El Jadida
This marks the first meeting between the two sides in the competition, with both teams aiming for a strong start in what promises to be a competitive group.
Somalia U-17 and Tunisia kick off their Group C campaign at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 in a highly anticipated clash at the Ben M'Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida on Tuesday.
The match is set to begin at 5.00 pm local time (8.00 pm EAT). This marks the first meeting between the two sides in the competition, with both teams aiming for a strong start in what promises to be a competitive group.
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Somalia, making their second appearance at the tournament after debuting in 2023, comes into this match with renewed ambition.
The Ocean Stars were eliminated at the group stage in their inaugural campaign, where they suffered a 2-0 loss to hosts Algeria, followed by a 1-1 draw against Congo and a 3-0 defeat to eventual champions Senegal.
Their qualification for the 2025 edition came after a strong showing in the CECAFA U-17 tournament, where they secured a third-place finish despite a tough semi-final loss to Uganda. They bounced back in the third-place play-off, overcoming South Sudan in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw.
Tunisia, a team with a rich history in the competition, is participating in their fourth U-17 AFCON and its first since 2013. The North African side has had a solid record in the tournament, finishing third in 2013 and fourth in 2007.
They qualified for this year’s tournament by finishing third in the UNAF U-17 tournament, despite a narrow 3-2 loss to Egypt in their final match. Tunisia enters the tournament with a talented squad, including key players like Anisse Saidi, who was their top scorer in qualifying with four goals.
Both teams come into the match following mixed results in their recent friendlies. Somalia has won one, lost three, and drawn one, with their most recent match being a heavy 7-1 defeat to Ivory Coast. Tunisia, on the other hand, has had a slightly better run, winning two, losing one to Egypt, and drawing two.
Somalia’s squad, which has undergone significant changes, will rely on key players like Farhan Isaq, a midfield maestro known for his vision and composure, and Sakariye Maxamuud, a clinical forward with the ability to destabilise defenses.
Head coach Nuur Maxamed’s tactical approach emphasizes possession-based football combined with defensive discipline and quick transitions.
Tunisia, under Mohamed Amine Naffati, is known for its explosive and physical style, making this opening match a high-stakes encounter for both teams.
With Group C also featuring reigning champions Senegal and an ambitious Gambian side, Somalia’s goal is clear: surpass their previous performance and prove their competitiveness on the continental stage. A strong showing against Tunisia could set the tone for a breakthrough tournament for the Ocean Stars.
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