U-17 AFCON: Côte d’Ivoire and Mali Progress to Semi-Finals After Dramatic Quarter-Final Victories

The quarter-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) delivered high drama and heartbreak on Friday as Côte d’Ivoire stunned reigning champions Senegal on penalties, while Mali held their nerve in a marathon shootout against Tunisia to book their place in the last four.

Côte d’Ivoire End Senegal’s Title Defence in Penalty Shootout Thriller

Senegal’s bid to retain their U-17 AFCON crown came to a crashing halt at the hands of a resolute Côte d’Ivoire, who prevailed 5-3 on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw in regulation time.

In a tactical and closely contested West African derby, both sides opted for caution over flair in the early exchanges, nullifying each other’s attacking threats. Côte d’Ivoire’s Alynho Haidara and Senegal’s Barhama Ndiaye, two of the most talked-about talents heading into the match, were effectively marked out of the game.

The deadlock persisted through the first half and much of the second, though the intensity ramped up after the hour mark. The Elephants nearly stole it late in the 87th minute when Vaboue Doumbia’s driven cross almost crept in at the far post, narrowly missing a decisive touch.

Senegal responded immediately, substitute Ibrahima Sow going agonisingly close to a stoppage-time winner, only to see his effort cleared off the line.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough in regulation time, the match went straight to penalties — and it was Côte d’Ivoire who held their nerve. The Ivorians converted all five spot-kicks, while Senegal faltered once, sending the defending champions crashing out.

The result sees Côte d’Ivoire return to the semi-finals for the first time since 2013, and with their defence rock solid and attack sharp on the break, they now emerge as serious title contenders.

Mali Win 10-9 on Penalties After 1-1 Draw with Tunisia in Epic Quarter-Final

Earlier in the evening at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida, Mali edged past Tunisia in a pulsating contest that ended 1-1 in normal time before Mali triumphed 10-9 on penalties in one of the most dramatic shootouts in U-17 AFCON history.

The Eaglets of Mali looked dominant early on, controlling possession and pressing high up the pitch. Their pressure paid off just before halftime, when Seydou Dembélé finished off a slick team move with a superb strike into the top corner in the 42nd minute.

Tunisia regrouped after the break and slowly grew into the match, with Anisse Saidi eventually restoring parity with a thunderous long-range effort in the 79th minute.

With no extra time played at this stage, the clash went straight to penalties — and what followed was a nerve-shredding sequence of spot-kicks. Both teams were flawless until Tunisia’s Slim Bouaskar saw his effort saved by Mali’s goalkeeper Souleymane Koné. That gave Cheick Diarra the chance to win it for Mali, and he made no mistake, sealing the West Africans’ place in the semi-finals.

The result sets up a mouthwatering last-four clash between Mali and Burkina Faso — a West African showdown between two sides with rich youth football traditions.

U-17 AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Line-Up (Confirmed):

• Burkina Faso vs Mali
• Côte d’Ivoire vs Morocco

As the competition heads into its final stages, the four remaining nations will battle for continental glory — and a place in the U-17 AFCON history books.

Victor Onuh

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