Algeria began the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival with a notable 1-0 victory over Argentina in Baku, while Cameroon, Morocco and several other African nations also made winning starts.

The young Fennecs secured their first victory through Abdelkarim Meharzi’s goal in the 31st minute. Morocco opened their campaign with a 2-0 win against the Philippines, with Safouan Bellamine scoring after six minutes before Said Noufii doubled the lead in the 18th minute.

Cameroon claimed the biggest African result in the opening round by beating Senegal 3-0 in an all-African encounter. Fareilromain Ngobo struck in the 17th minute, Andy Daniel Massoda added another three minutes later and Randy Ngome completed the scoring in the 32nd minute.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, however, suffered a 3-2 defeat by El Salvador. Charles Shina scored in the 27th minute and Elie Lobwa found the net in the 35th, but their efforts were not enough to prevent defeat.

South Africa recorded an 8-0 victory over the Maldives, while Tunisia beat Nepal 3-1. Congo edged Tajikistan 3-2 and Guinea-Bissau were beaten 8-0 by Brazil.

Burundi lost narrowly to Portugal, going down 1-0, while Malawi defeated Taiwan 3-2. Zimbabwe also claimed a 3-2 victory, against Cambodia.

In other matches involving African teams, Lesotho beat Gabon 3-2, but Central African Republic were defeated 4-0 by China.

In total, 20 African selections are taking part in the first World Cup of their history as part of the FIFA initiative. The competition, which began this year, has attracted 189 selections, including 78 from federations that had never previously competed at a World Cup at any level.

A different kind of tournament

The event is being held in Baku from 24 to 30 October. Matches are played eight-a-side on smaller pitches, with two 20-minute halves. Almost 1,000 games are scheduled, with as many as 20 being staged at the same time.

No team is eliminated early. Following the group phase, the selections will be placed into six divisions according to their results. All teams will continue competing until the final day, with a winner crowned in each division and the overall world champion coming from Division A.

The main aim is to give players aged 14 or 15 more opportunities to play international football.

The tournament also offers experiences away from the pitch. For many of the participating teenagers, including those from Africa, it may be their first trip abroad. During the week, they will live together in one athletes’ village, encounter different cultures, meet players of a similar age and take part in educational activities.

Not all of them will become professional footballers, and some may never play at another international tournament. But the event gives them the chance to visit a new country, form friendships and gain an experience that could stay with them for years.