By

Eniola Olatunji 

Africa is set to contest for honors at the 24th edition of the world U20 male football tournament starting in Chile from Sunday 27th September and to run till 17th October with 24 teams from six confederations fighting for honors in four cities of Chile.

Ghana is the only African team that has ever won the world U20 trophy. Ghana and Nigeria won Silver twice each. Africa won Bronze five times through Mali that got it twice; Egypt once; Ghana once and Nigeria once. 

Africa also placed 4th thrice through Ghana, Morocco and Senegal. Nigeria is the only country from Africa that won the Fair Play trophy at Columbia 2011.

Representing Africa in Chile are Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa. Egypt will play in Group A with hosts Chile, New Zealand and Japan. Morocco is in group C with Brazil, Mexico and Spain. South Africa is playing in group E with USA, Caledonia and France while Nigeria is flying their flag against Columbia, Saudi Arabia and Norway in group F.

The two topmost group leaders automatically qualify for the Knockout stages while four lucky losers will be picked from 3rd place positions.

The reigning champions, Uruguay is missing to defend their title as the country was ousted from the qualification rounds of the South America confederation. They are the 8th defending champions who failed to qualify to defend their title. 

The Estadio Nacional Pradamos in Santiago with a capacity of 46,190 for fans leads the cities to host the tournament; Estadio Bronda in Valparaiso with capacity for 20,575 fans is next; Estadio Taica has a capacity for 16,070 fans while Estadio El Taniente in Rancagua has capacity for 12,476.

Opening matches on Sunday 27th September will be between Egypt and Japan at 9pm; Japan vs Egypt also at 9pm before hosts Chile welcome New Zealand at midnight and Paraguay tackles Panama also at midnight.