Cote d’Ivoire secured third place at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) 2025 with a thrilling 5-2 penalty shootout victory over Burkina Faso following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday.
The Young Elephants held their nerve from the spot, converting all four of their penalties, while Burkina Faso faltered, missing two of their first three attempts.
Burkina Faso drew first blood in the 28th minute, with Halidou Diakité rifling home from close range after a corner kick sparked chaos in the Ivorian box. The Stallions dominated much of the first half, pressing high and controlling midfield with intensity and quick transitions.
But Cote d’Ivoire regrouped in the second half, spurred by tactical substitutions. Their persistence paid off in the 84th minute when Alynho Haïdara, one of the substitutes, slotted home the equaliser after a smooth team move initiated on the left flank.
Tensions peaked in the final minutes of regular time when Burkina Faso’s Prince Ouédraogo was shown a straight red card following a VAR review in the 90th minute, reducing the Stallions to 10 men.
Despite late pressure from Cote d’Ivoire, the match headed into a penalty shootout where the Ivorians were perfect. Haïdara, Souhalio Bamba, Vaboué Doumbia, and Yannis Touali all scored, while Burkina Faso’s Mikael Coulibaly and Comi Ouattara had their efforts saved, sealing a bronze-medal finish for Cote d’Ivoire.
This victory marked a resilient comeback for Cote d’Ivoire, who spent much of the match trailing and under pressure but showed composure when it mattered most.
For Burkina Faso, the loss ended what had been a promising campaign full of flair and confidence, but the fourth-place finish will sting after coming so close to a podium result.
As the dust settles on U-17 AFCON Morocco 2025, both sides will reflect on valuable experience gained, but it is Cote d’Ivoire who leave with the bronze medal—and a statement of intent for the future.
𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗭𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦. 🥉
Côte d'Ivoire claim the bronze medals as your #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 3rd place team. 🇨🇮👏 pic.twitter.com/duNQNWnD1C
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 18, 2025
