Latest news with #2025TotalEnergiesCAFU-17AfricaCupofNations
CAF
12-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Mali edge Tunisia in penalty thriller to book TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON semi-final spot
Published: Friday, 11 April 2025 Mali booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming Tunisia in a dramatic 10-9 penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time on Friday evening at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida. The highly competitive encounter saw both teams push to the limit, but it was Mali who held their nerve from the spot to seal a spot in the last four of the continental showpiece. Seydou Dembélé gave Mali the lead in the 42nd minute, finishing a flowing move with a clinical strike into the top corner. The West Africans dominated large spells of the first half, pressing high and creating several chances through Dembélé and Soumaila Fané. Tunisia came out stronger after the break and were eventually rewarded for their persistence in the 79th minute when Anisse Saidi unleashed a powerful low strike from distance to draw the North Africans level. With the score tied at 1-1 at full-time, the match headed straight to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. The shootout turned into a marathon, with both teams converting pressure-filled spot kicks in an extraordinary display of composure. After 19 successful attempts, the decisive moment came when Tunisia's Slim Bouaskar saw his penalty saved by Mali's goalkeeper. Cheick Diarra then calmly slotted home to send Mali into the semi-finals, sparking jubilant scenes on the pitch. Mali's progress marks yet another step in their consistent U-17 AFCON pedigree, with the West African nation continuing to showcase their depth of talent at youth level. Mali will now face Burkina Faso in the semi-finals, with their sights firmly set on claiming a third U-17 title following previous triumphs in 2015 and 2017. Tunisia, despite a gallant effort, exit the tournament with heads held high after pushing one of Africa's most formidable youth sides all the way.
CAF
10-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco overpower South Africa to reach TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON semi-finals
Published: Thursday, 10 April 2025 Host nation Morocco continued their impressive run at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, overpowering South Africa 3-1 on Thursday evening in Mohammedia to secure their place in the semi-finals. Backed by a passionate home crowd at the Stade El Bachir, the Atlas Cubs were clinical when it mattered most, with Ziyad Baha scoring twice in a dominant second-half display after the teams went into the break with the Moroccans holding a slender 1-0 lead. The win sees Morocco take a giant step towards their dream of lifting the title on home soil, as they now look ahead to a tough last-four encounter. Bright start sets the tone The hosts looked dangerous from the outset, with striker Ziyad Baha drawing an early save before Ismail El Aoud found the breakthrough in the 13th minute, smashing home from close range after a rebound. Despite Morocco's strong start, South Africa showed resilience. Neo Bohloko brought the Amajimbos level in the 54th minute, rising to head in a pinpoint cross from Emile Witbooi. The goal sparked brief hope for the visitors, who had grown into the match after weathering early pressure. Baha brilliance turns the tide Just as South Africa began to settle, Morocco responded with purpose. Within two minutes of the equaliser, Baha latched onto a headed pass from El Aoud to fire Morocco back in front in the 61st minute. The forward then doubled his tally with another cool finish from Abdellah Ouazane's through ball a minute later. From there, Morocco remained in control, repelling South Africa's advances with organised defending and launching swift counterattacks. Chouaib Bellaarouch produced two key saves to deny Oageng Lebesane and Witbooi late in the second half, preserving Morocco's advantage. Home crowd spurs Atlas Cubs forward As the clock ticked down, the hosts managed the game with maturity beyond their years, frustrating South Africa's desperate attempts to get back into the tie. Baha, El Aoud, and Belmokhtar remained a constant threat on the break, while Morocco's backline absorbed pressure with composure. South Africa made several substitutions to inject energy into their attack, but Morocco's structure and physicality proved too much. With this victory, Morocco becomes the second team to confirm their spot in the semi-finals of the competition, joining Burkina Faso who advanced earlier in the day after thrashing Zambia 6-1. As the tournament heads into its decisive phase, Morocco's blend of attacking flair and defensive organisation will make them serious contenders for the U-17 AFCON crown.
