FIFA U-20 World Cup: Tough Draw for African Sides

Africa’s quartet of participants in the U-20 World Cup learned their group stage opponents on Sunday when the six first-round pools were drawn.

Mali, the regaining U-20 Africa champions, have been handed a tough assignment to reach the knockout stages after being pooled alongside France, Saudi Arabia, and Panama in Group E.

The Aigles won the continental showpiece a week ago when they bested Senegal’s youth side to clinch their first African title in a final that was played in Niger.

However, they will have their work cut out to advance at the tournament in Poland which will kick-off on May 23.

Defeated African finalists Senegal are up against host Poland, Colombia, and Tahiti and have a good opportunity of proving that they are the continent’s brightest collection of young talents, despite their recent disappointment.

Another African contestant Nigeria also have a mountain to climb as they look to improve their showing in Niamey as they will meet Qatar, Ukraine, and the USA in Group D.

Elsewhere, African Youth Championship bronze medallists South Africa will meet Portugal in the Group E opening match and will be aware that they can ill afford to drop points after being pooled alongside old foe Argentina and the Korea Republic.

Hosts Poland will open the event as they will lock horns with Colombia at Lodz Stadium on 23rd May. The tournament will end with the final on Saturday, June 15.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the round of 16, as well as the best third-placed sides from the six pools.

Check the draw in full:

Group A: Poland, Colombia, Tahiti, Senegal

Group B: Mexico, Italy, Japan, Ecuador

Group C: Honduras, New Zealand, Uruguay, Norway

Group D: Qatar, Nigeria, Ukraine, USA

Group E: Panama, Mali, France, Saudi Arabia

Group F: Portugal, Korea Republic, Argentina, South Africa