Hosts, Morocco will face Mali in the final of the 2025 CAF U17 African Nations Cup on Saturday, following impressive semi-final victories on Tuesday in Casablanca.
Mali advanced to the championship match with a convincing 2-0 win over Burkina Faso in the first semi-final. The young Eagles took the lead in the 42nd minute when Soumaila Fané unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box, leaving the Burkinabe goalkeeper with no chance.
Despite Burkina Faso’s efforts to respond, Mali sealed the win in the 74th minute as Mahamadou Traoré headed home Fané’s accurate cross. Burkina Faso’s hopes further faded as they ended the match with nine men—Ali Koné and Alassana Bagayogo were both sent off after receiving second yellow cards.
In the second semi-final, hosts Morocco edged past Ivory Coast in a tense encounter that ended goalless after regulation time. Both teams had opportunities but failed to find the back of the net.
The match was decided by a penalty shootout, where Morocco’s goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch emerged as the hero. His two crucial saves handed the Atlas Cubs a 4-3 victory, securing their place in the final in front of their home crowd.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso will face Ivory Coast in the third-place playoff, also set for Saturday.
