U-20 AFCON WAFU A Qualifiers Draw Ceremony

The President of the Malian Football Federation called for unity and fair play among participating nations in his welcoming speech. He stated, "It is a great pleasure to speak at the draw ceremony for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers tournament organized by UFOA."

The Malian Football Federation plans to build a competitive team with the goal of qualifying for the U-20 finals.

It aims to instill a sense of responsibility in the players as national representatives and, based on trust in the coaching staff, presented training, discipline, and cohesion as elements of success. The President of the Malian Football Federation set the goal of building a competitive team to reach the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Under instructions from the Transitional President Assimi Goïta, attendees included Mamadou Baba Cissé, President of the Malian Football Federation, and Abdoul Kassim Ibrahim Fomba, Minister of Youth and Sports.

This tournament is a matter of interest for President Assimi Goïta and carries administrative importance at the government level.

With government officials, including the Minister of Environment, in attendance, welcome remarks for hosting the U-20 qualifiers in Bamako continued.

He expressed enthusiasm for the event in Bamako and confirmed the presence of government ministry officials, including the Minister of Environment. Minister Fomba stated, "After the successful challenge of the UFOA Zone A U-17 tournament, we meet again at the football arena, this time with the U-20. Welcome to Bamako, welcome to Mali."

The Malian government has fully supported sports infrastructure and completed preparations for a successful tournament operation.

The Minister of Youth and Sports put forward good performance and hospitality for participating nations as key strategies for tournament operation. The government plans to work with the Malian Football Federation to ensure the accommodation and safety of the teams.

He also emphasized the importance of courtesy and discipline that players should possess. He stated, "Our football should not only produce great players but also contribute to nurturing great citizens," hoping that it would be a festival where West African youth unite and grow, rather than being solely focused on wins and losses.

The tournament's operational methods and infrastructure level were evaluated as a benchmark that other African countries should emulate. He expressed pride that Mali has established itself as an exemplary host across Africa.

The official recommended that other African countries follow Mali's example, demonstrating high confidence in Mali's tournament organizational capabilities.

Eight nations, including Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Liberia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, will compete until September 30th.

The participating nations are a total of eight countries: Mali (host country), Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Liberia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. This tournament, running from September 15th to 30th, will feature representative teams from our region's eight countries.

According to the presenter, host nation Mali was allocated as the top seed in Group A. Defending champion Senegal was allocated as the top seed in Group B.

The remaining six nations will be assigned to the remaining positions in Groups A and B through a draw.

Mahamadou Sidibe served as the national team goalkeeper coach, and Djibril Sidibe played for clubs such as AS Monaco.

The presenter announced the draw results, stating that Mali, Guinea, Liberia, and Gambia were placed in Group A.

Senegal, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau were allocated to Group B.

The tournament schedule is set to open on October 15th, with group stage matches continuing until the 22nd.

He stated, "I think our group is manageable because these are countries we already know."

This emphasizes that they are familiar with each other's football styles due to being neighboring countries.

The West African Football Union region is expanding its influence in youth football, having recently qualified seven out of nine nations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Côte d'Ivoire.

The presenter stated, "Today, our youth categories, U-17 and U-20, are shining across Africa," adding that the expansion of football infrastructure in Mali and neighboring countries is continuously underway.

President Baba was elected as an executive committee member at the last UFOA General Assembly, elevating the status of the Malian Football Federation.

A total of 8 teams will participate, and the presenter confirmed the tournament schedule, stating, "This tournament, held in Bamako, Mali, from October 15th to 30th, 2026, will have matches played at Stade Mamadou Konaté."

He expressed gratitude for the collaboration between Minister Kassim and the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot), and Abdoulaye Cissé wished all 8 participating teams success. Thanks were also extended to media personnel who conveyed event news to the world.

This tournament is scheduled to be held at the Mamadou Konaté Stadium, near the Niger River in Bamako, Mali, from October 15th to October 30th, 2026.