Algeria is buzzing with excitement as 12 teams prepare to compete for the ultimate prize in African football, and the chance to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
The North African country, home to football greats Riyad Mahrez and Ismail Bennacer, is well-prepared for the tournament, with top-notch organization evident from the airport in Algiers to the different venues in the capital, Annaba and Constantine.
“We look forward to it starting here because it will be a privilege for us to welcome Africa and to be able to attend the matches,” said Mohamed, a resident of Annaba.
He adds; “Welcoming Africa is a huge privilege for us. We have successfully organized CHAN. Everyone saw that it was the best CHAN in history. Our hope is that our country will host more competitions because we are a great football nation in Africa.”
This is the fifth time Algeria is hosting a Continental event, and the second time it is hosting the U17 showpiece, having done so in 2009.
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Fans are eagerly anticipating the matches, with cities adorned with flags of the participating nations and signboards announcing the imminent start of the tournament.
The excitement among supporters is palpable, with many hoping that Algeria can go all the way to win the tournament.
The Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations is a biennial football tournament for players under the age of 17 from across the African continent.
The tournament features 12 teams and serves as a qualification tournament for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The host country for the tournament changes every edition, with the latest edition being hosted by Algeria in 2023.
The tournament is seen as a platform for young African talent to showcase their skills and potentially make a name for themselves in the world of football.
