Latest news with #U-17AfricaCupofNations
CAF
19-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON: Morocco vs Mali
The curtain officially falls on the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, 19 April. Morocco, the host nation seeking its very first title, and Mali, the undisputed benchmark in the category, already two-time champions. Two teams, two journeys, two visions of the game. And one trophy to decide it all. Morocco, the Long-Awaited Moment At home, in front of a crowd firmly behind them, Morocco no longer wants to just be a model host. It wants to be crowned champions. Finalists in 2023 against Senegal (2-1), Nabil Baha's squad returned with a single goal: turn frustration into conquest. The path has been solid—sometimes laborious—but always under control. Relying on a nearly impenetrable defensive line (just one goal conceded, against South Africa), the young Lions shine through their discipline and attention to detail. Just like their coach. 'We're here to win, but above all to respect our playing identity,' says a focused and clear-headed Nabil Baha. Mali, Legacy in Motion On the other side, Mali advances with quiet confidence—the kind that comes from experience. Champions in 2015 and 2017, finalists in 1997, the nation is no stranger to this stage. Adama Diefla Diallo, once a behind-the-scenes youth coach, now in the spotlight as head coach, didn't need to reinvent the wheel—he simply carried on a legacy. For the past ten years, the 'Aiglonnets' (Young Eagles) have been a cornerstone of African youth football. As often, they reach the final with a style both explosive and structured. Aggressive in winning the ball back, vertical in transitions, precise in the final third: Mali plays fast, hard, and smart. Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané, elusive and commanding, set the pace. Goalkeeper Lamine Sinaba provides calm at the back. The team, as a unit, is impressive. Two Philosophies, One Throne On one side: control, patience, and collective intelligence. On the other: intensity, rapid transitions, and the ability to turn a game on its head in seconds. Two teams loyal to their roots, unwavering in their principles since the start of the tournament. But it's also a clash of trajectories: Morocco has never won this competition. Mali is aiming for a third star. A win that would cement its supremacy in the age group.
CAF
13-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Africa's 10 representatives confirmed for historic U-17 World Cup in Qatar
Published: Sunday, 13 April 2025 Africa's ten representatives for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 have been confirmed, following the conclusion of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) play-offs on Saturday. Egypt and Uganda claimed the final two African slots for the global tournament after crucial wins in the play-off round on Saturday, joining Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia as the continent's flagbearers at the world stage. The expanded tournament – the largest in the history of the U-17 World Cup – will feature 48 teams for the first time and will be held from 3 to 27 November 2025 in Qatar. Uganda made history by qualifying for their maiden U-17 World Cup after a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over The Gambia. After conceding in under a minute, goals from James Bogere in the 13th and 33rd minutes turned the tide for the East Africans, who held firm to book a debut appearance on the world stage. Later in the day, hosts Egypt delighted home fans with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Angola. A deflected strike from Abdel Aziz El Zoghby and a second-half effort by Hamza Mohamed Abdel Karim sealed the ticket for the Pharaohs, despite Angola pulling one back late in the game. The other eight African nations had already qualified by progressing to the knockout stages of the U-17 AFCON. Among them are Senegal, defending African champions at youth level, and Côte d'Ivoire, who impressed with a resounding 4-2 win over Mali during the group stage. Tunisia and South Africa also secured their places early after finishing strongly in their respective groups, while traditional powerhouses Morocco and Zambia return to the global stage with high expectations. The U-17 World Cup has been a proving ground for future superstars including Michael Essien and Sammy Kuffuor, Nwankwo Kanu, Seydou Keita and Mahamadou Diarra. Now, Africa's new generation of talent will look to shine on the world stage and possibly follow in their illustrious footsteps. With the continent's ten teams now confirmed, the focus turns to preparations and the final draw, as Africa gears up to challenge for global glory in Doha later this year.
CAF
08-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Defending champions Senegal overcome resilient Somalia to advance to next round and secure FIFA U-17 World Cup place
Published: Monday, 07 April 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations defending champions, Senegal had to dig deep against a highly spirited Somalia on Monday evening, as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory that saw them conclude the eight places of the quarter-finals of the ongoing competition in Morocco. The defending champions' victory also sees them officially book their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup where they will be amongst the African representatives set to fly the continent's flag later this year. Despite exiting the competition without a point to their name, Somalia will be proud of the gallant fight they put up in their Group C matches throughout the campaign, with was their first in the competition. After holding the defending champions for most parts of the opening half, Somalia conceded a penalty that was converted by Ibrahima Sow in the 29th minute. The concession did not deter the debutants who continued pressing hard for the leveller and showed no fear towards their more fancied opponents. Senegal would eventually find the final goal in the dying minutes of the match, with El Hadji Ibrahim Sow converting in the dying minutes of referee's added time to see them through to the next round.
CAF
05-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
U17 World Cup: Mali's academy formula fuels another charge for glory
Mali have once again underlined their status as a continental youth football powerhouse by qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, set to be held in Qatar this November. The Aiglonnets secured their ticket with a commanding 2-0 victory over the Central African Republic in the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday night, confirming their dominance in a tournament where they've consistently impressed. With seven U-17 World Cup appearances to date, Mali continue to show remarkable consistency and hunger. In 2023, the West African nation made a major statement by clinching third place in Indonesia, a campaign highlighted by Ibrahim Diarra winning the Silver Boot and Hamidou Makalou earning the Silver Ball. These accolades reflect years of deep-rooted investment in youth development. Academies at the heart of success At the centre of Mali's youth football revolution is a robust academy system. These institutions serve as pipelines for national youth teams, and none have been more influential than the Jean-Marc Guillou (JMG) Academy. Known for producing stars like Yves Bissouma and Amadou Haidara, JMG continues to contribute talent, including Ibrahima Diakité and Seydou Dembélé, the latter named Man of the Match against the Central African Republic. 'Our academies play a very, very important role,' said Adama Diefla Diallo, head coach of the U-17s. 'If Mali keeps returning to youth tournaments, it's largely because of them.' Institutions like the Centre Salif Keita, as well as private and federation-led structures, enable early talent identification and long-term support. 'This long-term work allows us to stay competitive in Africa and represent the continent with pride on the world stage,' Diallo added. Passing down a legacy Malian football is built on legacy. National icons such as Seydou Keita, U-20 World Cup Golden Ball winner in 1999, and Mahamadou Diarra, both Centre Salif Keita alumni, paved the way. Their bronze-medal journey in 1999 remains a benchmark for young players. Today, a new generation is rising. Striker Ibrahim Diarra, from the Africa Foot Academy, joined FC Barcelona for a training stint in November 2024 and now wears the famous blaugrana colours—testament to Mali's growing global reputation for producing top talent. 'We all want to surpass them,' declared rising star Seydou Dembélé, brimming with ambition. Eyes firmly on the trophy Mali no longer hide their intentions. Finalists in 2015, third in 2023, and fourth in 1997, the Aiglonnets are a permanent fixture in the U-17 World Cup's latter stages. But the title remains elusive. 'This time, the goal is to win it, insha'Allah,' said coach Diallo. With a talented squad, a structured development system, and a deep-rooted footballing culture, Mali are moving forward with purpose. The dream of standing on the top step of the podium no longer feels out of reach.
CAF
05-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Defending champions Senegal held by disciplined Tunisia
TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations defending champions, Senegal will have to wait for the final day of group matches to officially confirm a place in the quarterfinals of the competition. The reigning champions played their second group match on Friday where they were held to a goalless stalemate by Tunisia in a tough Group C match. Despite enjoying a lion's share of the possession, the defending champions could not break the disciplined defense of the North Africans who were disciplined both in defense and attack throughout the encounter. Coming back off a narrow 1-0 victory over The Gambia, Senegal were looking at sealing a place in the quarterfinals with a game to spare, while the Tunisians who enjoyed a comfortable start with a 3-0 victory over debutants Somalia were looking at causing an upset. With both sides sharing the spoils, the final day of the group will be interesting with the defending champions taking on the already Somalia in a must win clash, while table toppers, Tunisia take on a The Gambia who still have an outside chance of advancing from the tough Group C. Both Match Day 3 fixtures of the group will take place on Monday, 7 April with the top two finishers not only guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals, but will form part of the African nations set to compete at the FIFA U17 World Cup later this year.
