The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has highlighted the importance of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in the growth and development of the beautiful game on the continent.
The next edition will be held in Algeria from April 29 to May 19 this year in Algiers, Annaba and Constantine. CAF President has stressed the need to encourage young players who will participate in this tournament.
Speaking at the draw ceremony on Wednesday, Dr Motsepe said, “We must present a message of encouragement to all the young players in the participating teams. This competition will include the best countries on the continent, and the whole world will watch them.”
He continued, “A championship in Africa with players at that age must present a good image of African football and the reaction of young players during this tournament must be strong.
“The TotalEnergies U17 AFCON is as important as the other African competitions, and you can see from the draw that the competition will be strong among the participating teams.”
The games will be played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algiers that hosted the opening game of the ongoing TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022 as well as the 19-Mai-1956 Stadium in Annaba and the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine.
The four semi-finalists will qualify for the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup which will be held in Peru from November 10 to December 2 this year.
