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CAF
19-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Cote d'Ivoire edge Burkina Faso on penalties to clinch TotalEnergies U-17 AFCON bronze
Published: Friday, 18 April 2025 Cote d'Ivoire claimed third place at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 5-2 penalty shootout win over Burkina Faso at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday. After a fiercely contested 1-1 draw in regular time, the Young Elephants held their nerve in the shootout, converting all four of their spot kicks while Burkina Faso missed two of their opening three efforts. Burkina Faso had taken a deserved lead in the 28th minute when Halidou Diakité fired home from the centre of the box after a corner caused chaos in the Ivorian defence. The Stallions dominated large spells of the first half, applying pressure through quick transitions and physical duels in midfield. But Cote d'Ivoire regrouped in the second half, inspired by impactful substitutions, and eventually levelled the contest in the 84th minute. Alynho Haïdara, one of the substitutes, turned home from close range after a well-worked move that started on the left flank. The final minutes of normal time were frenetic. Burkina Faso were reduced to 10 men when Prince Ouédraogo was shown a straight red card following a VAR review in the 90th minute. Cote d'Ivoire pressed for a late winner, but the Burkinabe defence held firm, taking the match to penalties. In the shootout, Cote d'Ivoire were flawless. Goals from Haïdara, Souhalio Bamba, Vaboué Doumbia, and Yannis Touali sealed the victory after Burkina Faso's Mikael Coulibaly and Comi Ouattara saw their efforts saved. The result ensures a podium finish for Cote d'Ivoire, who will take heart from their resilience after trailing for most of the match. For Burkina Faso, the defeat was a bitter end to a promising campaign that saw them reach the semi-finals with flair and confidence. Both teams will look back at Morocco 2025 as a valuable learning curve, but it is Cote d'Ivoire who walk away with the bronze medal and a statement of future potential.
CAF
07-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Cote d'Ivoire outclass Mali to top Group D and reach U-17 World Cup
Published: Monday, 07 April 2025 Cote d'Iovire produced a statement performance on Monday to beat Mali 4-2 in their final Group D clash at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, leapfrogging their opponents to finish top of the group and clinch a spot in the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year. Alynho Haïdara was the standout for the Ivorian side, netting twice in the opening 18 minutes — first from open play and then from the penalty spot — to set the tone at Stade Municipal de Berrechid. Moïse Diarrassouba added a third with a brilliant finish just before the break to hand the Ivorians a commanding 3-0 lead. Seydou Dembélé pulled one back for Mali in first-half stoppage time, and although they were awarded a penalty midway through the second half, Dembélé was denied by the Ivorian keeper. Ndjicoura Bomba did later reduce the deficit to 3-2 with a powerful effort in the 69th minute. But any hopes of a comeback were dashed in added time when Broulaye Cissé rifled in a spectacular long-range effort to make it 4-2 and seal all three points. The result means Cote d'Ivoire top the group with seven points, followed by Mali on six. Despite the loss, Mali had already booked their place in the quarter-finals and World Cup after earlier wins over Angola and Central African Republic. Elsewhere in the group, Angola's thumping 6-1 win over the Central African Republic wasn't enough to push them into the quarter-finals, but it did secure a World Cup playoff opportunity as one of the best third-placed teams.
CAF
03-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON: Five players who shone on the first day
The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations got off to an emphatic start. CAFOnline takes a look at five players who stood out after Match Day 1. Alynho Haïdara - 16 years old - Forward - Côte d'Ivoire With his four goals, Alynho Haïdara leads the top scorers list after the first day of the competition. "I play for my teammates, and they repay me well," he explained after lighting up the field during the match against the Central African Republic, a game that Côte d'Ivoire won 6-1. His performance, marked by his speed and goal-scoring instinct, dazzled spectator. Playing for the Ivorian club Mainz de Jacqueville, Haïdara demonstrated excellent chemistry with his attacking partners. His agility and game vision helped Côte d'Ivoire dominate the match and quickly extend their lead. Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba - 15 years old - Forward - Burkina Faso His name might evoke those of champions proudly representing Africa, such as Ashraf Hakimi, Ademola Lookman, and Edmond Tapsoba. At just 15 years old, Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba is already emerging as a promising talent in continental football. A long-range shot full of precision, a clever lob to present himself to the world, and here's the player from Réal du Faso ready to make his mark on the competition. Every movement from this prodigy on the field is a demonstration of technical mastery, game vision, and a confidence that defies his age. Emile Witbooi - 16 years old - Midfielder - South Africa At 16, Emile Witbooi isn't just following in the footsteps of great African talents; he's ahead of them. During Amajimbos' 4-3 victory over Egypt, he shone brightly, scoring a goal and providing an assist. This double impact helped his team secure the epic win. His technical mastery and game intelligence made a strong impression. His ability to manipulate the ball with such finesse and organize the play led some observers to compare him to the legendary Jay-Jay Okocha, due to his talent for dictating the pace of the game and creating opportunities. Vincent Gomis - 17 years old - Goalkeeper - Senegal Senegal has a title to defend, and Vincent Gomis is determined to do everything to achieve that. With an outstanding performance, the young goalkeeper was impenetrable during his team's first match, allowing the Lionceaux de la Teranga to keep a clean sheet in their 1-0 victory against Gambia. Despite the pressure of defending the continental title, Gomis didn't falter. His decisive interventions, especially on chances from the Young Scorpions, reassured his team and showed that they could rely on a top-class goalkeeper. His game reading, ability to anticipate opponent shots, and commanding presence in the air make him one of the continent's best young goalkeepers. Ilies Belkhmotar - 16 years old - Right winger - Morocco The first goal scorer of the competition, Ilies Belkhmotar, clearly displayed his ambition to shine on home soil. In his debut match, the Moroccan forward made an impression by scoring a decisive brace in Morocco's resounding 5-0 victory over Uganda. His ability to find space and accuracy in finishing made him one of the most noticeable players on the first day.
