AFCON 2025
It was another dramatic day at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025, with Italy, Korea DPR and the USA booking their places in the knockout round, while Brazil were held to a surprise draw by a spirited Costa Rica side in Rabat.
In Group A, Costa Rica goalkeeper Valeria Fernandez was the hero of the day, saving a stoppage-time penalty to earn her team their first point of the tournament in a 1-1 draw against Brazil.
Lucia Paniagua had given the Central Americans the lead after capitalising on a defensive error, but Giovana Iseppe’s late header drew Brazil level. Deep into injury time, Fernandez denied Kaylane from the spot to preserve the result and keep Costa Rica’s slim qualification hopes alive.
Later in the evening, Italy continued their impressive form with a commanding 3-1 victory over hosts Morocco. Giulia Galli netted twice in the opening 13 minutes before Rachele Giudici added a third from close range. Morocco’s Dounia-El Yakout El Mesmoudi grabbed a late consolation, but the result ensured Italy’s passage to the next round.
Defending champions Korea DPR also advanced after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Cameroon in Group B.
Kim Won-sim struck twice — including a 98th-minute header — to turn the match around after Lys Tiwa’s first-half opener for the Africans.
In the same group, Mexico edged the Netherlands 1-0 thanks to a stunning long-range effort from Citlalli Reyes in the 87th minute. Despite playing much of the second half with ten players, the Mexicans held firm to claim a vital win and stay in contention for qualification.
Group C produced the day’s biggest scoreline, as the USA overwhelmed China PR 5-2. Lauren Malsom and Nyanya Touray both bagged braces, while Maddie DiMaria added another in a dominant display that saw the Americans respond strongly after conceding early.
Ecuador later earned their first victory of the tournament, defeating Norway 2-0. An own goal from Ebba Niss and a fine finish by Maite Zambrano sealed the win, leaving the Norwegians still searching for their first points.
With one group game left, Italy, Korea DPR and the USA have already sealed their spots in the knockout stages, while several others will now face decisive final matches in pursuit of a place in the last eight.
