AFCON 2025
The race for FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification intensified as the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations reached a thrilling stage, with standout performances and emotional victories defining the final group matches.
Angola, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tunisia emerged with crucial wins, securing either direct qualification or a shot through the playoffs.
While defending champions Senegal remained resolute, debutants like Somalia and teams such as Central African Republic and The Gambia fought valiantly, showcasing the depth of talent and passion across the continent.
Here’s a rundown of how the games went down yesterday.
Angola 6-1 Central African Republic
Angola secured a dominant 6-1 win over Central African Republic in their final Group D match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, led by a hat-trick from Densel Liyun.
The victory earned Angola third place in the group and a playoff spot for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Lucas opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Liyun netted three goals, with Jairo Muanha adding a brace. Anan Otto scored a late consolation for Central African Republic.
Senegal 2–0 Somalia
Senegal, the defending champions of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, secured a hard-fought 2-0 win over debutants Somalia to reach the quarter-finals and qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Ibrahima Sow opened the scoring with a penalty in the 29th minute, but Somalia continued to battle bravely. Despite their efforts, Senegal sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal from El Hadji Ibrahim Sow.
Although Somalia exited the tournament without a point, they earned respect for their spirited performance in their first-ever appearance.
Mali 2–4 Cote d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire delivered a dominant performance to defeat Mali 4-2 in their final Group D match at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, securing top spot in the group and qualification for both the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Alynho Haïdara starred with two early goals, followed by Moïse Diarrassouba’s strike for a 3-0 lead. Mali’s Seydou Dembélé scored before halftime but missed a penalty in the second half. Ndjicoura Bomba made it 3-2, but Broulaye Cissé sealed the win for Côte d’Ivoire with a late long-range goal.
Côte d’Ivoire finished with 7 points, Mali with 6 — both progressing to the quarter-finals and World Cup. Angola’s 6-1 win over Central African Republic earned them a World Cup playoff spot as one of the best third-placed teams.
Tunisia 2–1 The Gambia
Tunisia secured a spot in the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025—and a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup—after a narrow 2-1 victory over The Gambia in their second Group C match.
Yassine Ben Mahmoud opened the scoring just before halftime, but The Gambia equalized early in the second half through Bisenty Mendy. Anisse Saidi then netted the winner in the 57th minute, which Tunisia successfully defended.
The Gambia, still in contention, will now compete in the play-offs for a World Cup ticket.
