Burkina Faso laid down a marker in the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) on Thursday evening, dismantling Zambia 6-1 in a ruthless quarter-final display at the El Arbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Asharaf Tapsoba was the star of the show, bagging a sensational hat-trick to propel the Young Stallions into the semi-finals for the second consecutive edition and solidify their status as one of the tournament’s frontrunners.
It took just 11 minutes for Burkina Faso to draw first blood, Mohamed Fofana pouncing on a defensive lapse to slot home after a low cross from Abdoul Moumine Ouedraogo. Their grip tightened in the 21st minute when Souleymane Tapsoba coolly converted from the spot after Issouf Diakité was brought down inside the area — his fifth goal of the tournament.
Though Zambia threatened a comeback through Abel Salim Nyirongo in the 35th minute, Burkina Faso hit another gear after the break.
Diakité made it 3-1 with a sharp finish in the 58th minute, then doubled his tally ten minutes later with a fine solo effort, weaving through the Zambian defence after linking up cleverly with Tapsoba.
The floodgates opened late on. Another penalty — awarded after Mwape fouled Bagayoko — saw Tapsoba convert again from 12 yards. The prolific frontman then capped off his hat-trick in the 90th minute, punishing another defensive miscue to seal a 6-1 statement win.
With seven goals now to his name, Tapsoba leads the tournament scoring charts and, alongside Diakité, forms a strike duo no defence will want to face.
Already qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Burkina Faso now set their sights on reaching a second U-17 AFCON final and adding to their 2011 crown.
Burkina Faso's Ashsaraf Tapsoba is your Man of the Match against Zambia after scoring a wonderful hattrick! 🇧🇫🌟 @Football2Gether | #BFAZAM | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/LhabaBvQg6
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 10, 2025Morocco Outclass South Africa to Reach U-17 AFCON Semi-Finals on Home Soil
Later in the evening, host nation Morocco delivered another commanding performance, sweeping past South Africa 3-1 at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia to become the second team into the last four.
Buoyed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Cubs controlled the tempo and struck early, with Ismail El Aoud firing home in the 13th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound.
The South Africans, however, found a response after the interval. Neo Bohloko levelled matters in the 54th minute, rising to nod home a perfect cross from Emile Witbooi and giving the Amajimbos a glimmer of hope.
But parity lasted less than two minutes. Morocco hit back instantly — Ziyad Baha racing onto a flicked header from El Aoud and rifling home to restore the lead. The forward wasn’t done either; he struck again barely a minute later, this time slotting past the keeper after a clever pass from Abdellah Ouazane.
From that point, Morocco were in control. Chouaib Bellaarouch made key saves late on to deny South Africa a route back, while Morocco’s midfield dominated the transitions and their backline stayed composed under pressure.
With a perfect blend of attacking fluidity and defensive structure, Morocco now look every inch a title contender as they prepare for a high-stakes semi-final clash.
