Second Round of the African Qualifiers for the U-17 Women’s World Cup

The second round of qualifiers for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Morocco from later this year officially resumes this weekend, tense encounters lined up.

Africa has four places reserved at the global showpiece which will be at stake as the qualification race heats up.

Starting on Saturday, 8 March, the first-leg matches will pit several ambitious teams against each other.

Cameroon will host Ethiopia, while Tanzania will face Zambia. One of the most anticipated matchups will be South Africa against Nigeria, a duel between two teams accustomed to international competition.

Other exciting clashes to look out for in the first leg include Sierra Leone vs Guinea and Benin vs DR Congo.

On the eastern part of the continent, Uganda and Kenya will meet in a CECAFA derby, while Algeria will attempt to overcome Botswana in a north versus south clash.

One other appetising clash will see Cote d’Ivoire taking on Burundi.

The second-leg matches, scheduled for 14 March 14, will be decisive in determining which teams will qualify.

With their experience and the advantage of playing at home, Zambia and Nigeria, who represented the continent in the last World Cup in the Dominican Republic, will aim to win and continue their journey.

Some of the teams involved have a strong track record in youth competitions.

Nigeria, a five-time qualifier for the U-17 Women’s World Cup, is the favourite against South Africa and will look to confirm its status over the two legged encouter. Cameroon, with several participations in this global tournament, will rely on its experience to overcome an Ethiopia team that has shown significant progress.

Zambia, rising in women’s football, must be cautious of Tanzania, a team that has demonstrated its potential in recent years.

Meanwhile, DR Congo, though less experienced in this age category, hopes to surprise Benin. Finally, Algeria will have to remain stay alert against Botswana, a team always capable of pulling off an upset.

Schedule of the Second Round of the African Qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

First-leg Matches

Saturday, March 8, 2025 (local time)

14:00
• South Africa vs Nigeria
• Uganda vs Kenya
• Botswana vs Algeria

17:00: Sierra Leone vs Guinea

19:00: Cameroon vs Ethiopia

Sunday, March 9, 2025 (local time)

14:00
• Tanzania vs Zambia

16:00
• Benin vs DR Congo

17:00
• Ivory Coast vs Burundi

Second-leg Matches

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (local time)

17:00: Burundi vs Cote d'Ivoire

Saturday, March 15, 2025 (local time)

13:00: Ethiopia vs Cameroon
15:00: Zambia vs Tanzania
16:00:Nigeria vs South Africa
17:00: Guinea vs Sierra Leone

Sunday, March 16, 2025 (local time)
13:00: Kenya vs Uganda
15:30: DR Congo vs Benin
21:00: Algeria vs Botswana