The 2025 TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) roared into Match Day 2 action with thrilling moments, dramatic draws, and a resurgent Gambia side staking their claim for a quarterfinal berth after a dominant 5-1 win over Somalia.
Drammeh Hat-Trick Fires Gambia Back Into Contention
After a narrow loss to Senegal in their Group C opener, Gambia bounced back in emphatic style on Friday at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in Morocco, overwhelming Somalia with a 5-1 statement win.
It took just four minutes for Alieu Drammeh to open the scoring from the penalty spot after Alagie Baba was brought down in the box. The forward doubled his tally in the 16th minute with a cool finish off Bubacarr Suso’s smart headed assist.
Somalia’s woes deepened before halftime when defender Liban Kalif turned the ball into his own net under pressure, sending Gambia into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Though Somalia showed some fight in the second half, pulling one back through Anas Isse, Drammeh completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, heading home from a Muhammed Danso corner.
Bisenty Mendy wrapped things up in stoppage time, finishing off a sharp counterattack to seal a vital three points for the Baby Scorpions. Gambia now look ahead to a decisive clash with Tunisia, with a spot in the quarterfinals — and a FIFA U-17 World Cup berth — still up for grabs.
The Gambia's hattrick hero Alieu Drammeh is of course your Man of the Match against Somalia! 🇬🇲🌟 @Football2Gether | #GAMSOM | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/i9aWiBXp6b
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 4, 2025Senegal Held by Tunisia in Tight Group C Battle
Defending champions Senegal failed to book early passage to the knockout stage after a frustrating goalless draw with Tunisia in their second Group C outing.
Despite enjoying the bulk of possession and attacking chances, Senegal couldn’t find a way past a well-organized Tunisian defense that stood firm throughout the encounter. Tunisia, who cruised to a 3-0 win over Somalia in their opener, now top the group with four points.
With all to play for on Match Day 3, Senegal will take on Somalia, needing a win to secure progression, while Tunisia face a confident Gambia side in what could be a knockout-caliber clash.
FULL-TIME!
No goals to seperate both teams here. 🚫#TUNSEN | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/kDZ9UPTlYr
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 4, 2025Morocco and Zambia Share Spoils in Cagey Affair
Hosts Morocco were unable to replicate their blistering start to the tournament as they were held to a 0-0 draw by a disciplined Zambia side in Group A.
After hammering Uganda 5-0 in their opening match, Morocco struggled to break down a compact Zambian defense. The North Africans were reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute after Hamza Mouhadi was sent off for a reckless challenge, a decision confirmed by VAR.
Zambia almost snatched it at the death, but substitute Gabriel Phiri’s late effort missed the target. Morocco had two golden chances deep into stoppage time, but Ahmed Mouhoub and Ilies Belmokhtar both failed to convert.
Both sides remain tied on four points heading into Match Day 3. Morocco face Tanzania, while Zambia prepare for a crucial encounter against Uganda, who revived their campaign with a 3-0 win over Tanzania.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇿🇲 0-0 🇲🇦
Tight game as Zambia and Morocco see out a goalless draw. 🤝#ZAMMAR | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/R2z3qzTIpR
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 3, 2025Angola Hold Cote d’Ivoire to Keep Group D Wide Open
Angola produced a gritty performance to hold high-flying Cote d’Ivoire to a goalless draw in a tightly contested Group D clash.
Cote d’Ivoire, fresh from a 6-1 demolition of Central African Republic led by the impressive Alynho Haidara, were unable to break down a disciplined Angolan side determined to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Mali.
The result leaves the group finely balanced, with Cote d’Ivoire leading, Mali in close pursuit, and Angola still in the hunt heading into the final round of matches. Angola face Central African Republic next, while Cote d’Ivoire and Mali lock horns in a potential group decider.
FULL-TIME!
It remains goal-less at the final whistle. 🤝#ANGCIV | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/WvpwhxJBIl
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 4, 2025What’s Next: Final Group Matches Promise High Drama
All eyes turn to Monday, April 7, when Group C wraps up in what promises to be a blockbuster finish. With World Cup tickets and quarterfinal places on the line, the pressure will be intense as giants collide.
Group standings across the tournament remain tight, and with several teams still in contention, the 2025 U-17 AFCON is shaping up as one of the most competitive in recent memory.
