African Football Stars Set to Illuminate the Final Draw
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced that renowned African footballers, Fiston Mayele, Aliou Dieng, and Ahmed Belhadji, will play pivotal roles in the Final Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco in 2026. This much-anticipated event is scheduled for Wednesday at 14:00 local time (12:00 GMT) at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, and will be broadcasted live on CAF TV.
Fiston Mayele, currently showcasing his talents with Pyramids FC and the national team of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is coming off a stellar season where he emerged as the top scorer in the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, leading his club to its first-ever continental championship. His dynamic playing style and goal-scoring prowess make him a standout figure in African football.
Aliou Dieng, a key midfielder for Al Ahly and Mali, has consistently demonstrated his value on the pitch. Despite spending the previous season on loan in Saudi Arabia, he has been a critical asset for both club and country, recognized for his ability to control the game from the midfield. His experience as a former junior international adds to his credentials as a significant contributor to the tournament.
Ahmed Belhadji, representing Ceramica Cleopatra and the Moroccan national team, has been a formidable presence in midfield, contributing significantly to his team's successes in recent seasons. His prior experience with several prominent Egyptian clubs, including Zamalek, further solidifies his reputation as a seasoned athlete in the region.
The draw will determine the group placements for the 16 teams qualified for the tournament, which will be divided into four groups of four. The top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stage, while the eight quarter-finalists will secure their spots in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026. Notably, an additional set of play-off matches will be held for teams finishing third in their respective groups to determine the final two representatives from Africa at the global finals.
Joining Morocco, the host nation, in this prestigious tournament are Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda from the CECAFA region; Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa from COSAFA; Senegal and Mali from WAFU A; Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana from WAFU B; Cameroon and DR Congo from UNIFFAC; and Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia from UNAF.
For more details regarding the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official CAF website. This event promises to showcase the best young talents in African football and foster a spirit of competition and camaraderie across the continent.
As reported by cafonline.com.
