The TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria 2023 kicked off with a stunning opening ceremony at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers. The event was short, precise, colourful and entertaining, setting the tone for the tournament ahead. Musicians, led by popular local star Jam, serenaded the crowd with beautiful mellow voices and stadium DJs ETA and Randle added to the excitement with renditions of Algerian and African hits. The ceremony focused mainly on the theme of Africa and youth, with CAF Vice President Suleiman Waberi, Algeria’s Minister of Youth and Sport, Abdelrahman Hammad and Algeria FA President Djahid Zefizef among the dignitaries in attendance. The competition was declared open by Mr Hammad, paving the way for the host nation to face debutants Somalia.
