In a high-stakes TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) semi-final clash, Morocco held their nerve to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw in regulation time. The result books the hosts a place in Saturday’s final against Mali, who earlier cruised past Burkina Faso with a clinical 2-0 win.
From the outset at Stade Mohamed VI, both sides brought intensity and discipline to the pitch, but neither could break the deadlock over 90 minutes. Morocco, roared on by a passionate home crowd, looked to impose their rhythm, while Côte d’Ivoire remained compact, springing dangerous counters.
Despite flashes of brilliance in transition and some intricate build-up play, both sides were guilty of wastefulness in front of goal. The finishing touch proved elusive, with missed opportunities and last-ditch defending defining the match.
With no breakthrough in normal time, the semi-final was decided from the spot. In a dramatic shootout filled with tension and precision, Morocco converted four of their five penalties, while a crucial Ivorian miss sealed their fate. Goalkeepers played their part in a nail-biting finish that had fans on edge until the final kick.
The win sees Morocco return to the U-17 AFCON final for the first time since 2013, as they now eye a historic continental crown on home soil. The final against Mali promises fireworks as two of Africa’s most tactically disciplined youth teams go head-to-head for glory on Saturday, April 19.
Morocco's Chouaib Bellaarouch is your Man of the Match against Côte d'Ivoire after his penalty shootout heroics! 🇲🇦🌟 @Football2Gether | #MARCIV | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/PeIeKzELIO
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 15, 2025Earlier in the day, Mali showcased their tournament credentials with a confident 2-0 win over Burkina Faso in Casablanca. Soumaila Fané opened the scoring just before halftime with a thunderous strike from distance, before turning provider in the second half, delivering a pin-point cross that Mahamadou Traoré headed home to seal the result.
Burkina Faso fought valiantly, creating several clear chances but failed to find the net. Their hopes were further dented after being reduced to nine men, with Ali Koné and Alassana Bagayogo both sent off after second bookings.
With this victory, Mali advance to their first U-17 AFCON final since 2017, when they lifted the trophy. Their well-organized defence and clinical edge make them formidable opponents in the title clash.
Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso will battle for bronze in the third-place playoff, also slated for Saturday. Both sides will be eager to end their campaigns on a high and secure a spot on the podium.
And then there were TWO. 🇲🇦🇲🇱 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/zgyWGGyhke
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 15, 2025
