Ghana to host 2027 African U-20 Cup of Nations

By Abayomi Ademola

Ghana has been awarded the hosting rights to the 2027 edition of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the return of the competition to West Africa for the first time in several years.

The decision also represents the first time Ghana has hosted the tournament since 1999, underscoring the country’s long-standing role in promoting youth football across the continent. While the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in East Africa, the dates for the under-20 competition in Ghana have yet to be announced.

Attention remains focused on the most recent edition held in 2025, where South Africa claimed its first title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Morocco in Cairo. The final was decided with a goal from Gomolemo Kekana in the 70th minute, securing a historic victory for the South Africans.

Despite that progress, Nigeria remains the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, having won the title seven times. The competition has also expanded in recent years, with a 12-team format introduced in 2021 as part of CAF’s efforts to improve competitiveness and provide greater opportunities for emerging talents.