Morocco underlined their title credentials at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) with a ruthless 3-0 win over Tanzania on Sunday night, a result that saw them finish top of Group A and book their spot in both the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Locked in a tight tactical battle for much of the game, the breakthrough came in the 76th minute when Ilies Belmokhtar found the net with a composed finish, finally prising open a resolute Tanzanian defence. The goal eased Moroccan nerves, knowing even a draw would have secured progression.
Tanzania, desperate to stay alive in the tournament, pushed men forward in response—but their offensive gamble was punished in devastating fashion. With acres of space left behind, Abdellah Ouazane struck twice in quick succession, netting in the 81st and 84th minutes to seal a superb brace and put the result beyond doubt.
Ouazane’s double capped a polished performance from the North Africans, who not only advanced but also secured their ticket to the expanded FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The loss was Tanzania’s third straight defeat, marking a disappointing end to their U-17 AFCON campaign.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇲🇦 3-0 🇹🇿
Morocco end their group stage on a high as they score 3 wonderful goals and concede none. 🔝 #MARTAN | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/CT0IHbBQVs
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 6, 2025Zambia Leave It Late to Edge Uganda and Advance
In the other Group A decider, Zambia left it late but did just enough to claim a 2-1 win over Uganda, securing second place and joining Morocco in the quarter-finals and at the World Cup.
As anticipated, it was a tense, tactical battle with both sides wary of each other. Zambia took the early initiative when Kelvin Chipelu punished a defensive lapse to give his side a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.
Uganda responded after the break, levelling through Elvis Torach just four minutes into the second half, setting up a nail-biting finish with qualification hanging in the balance.
With the clock ticking down and the match edging towards a stalemate, up stepped Billy Daka, who buried the winner in the 86th minute to seal Zambia’s progression in dramatic style.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇺🇬 1-2 🇿🇲
Zambia's late winner cancels out Uganda's equalizer as they seal another win. ✅#UGAZAM | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/tLB2cSHtT4
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 6, 2025Burkina Faso March On with Perfect Group B Record
Over in Group B, Burkina Faso completed a flawless group stage with a commanding 2-0 win over South Africa, finishing with a perfect nine points from three games and without conceding a goal in open play.
After a goalless first half, Issouf Bara opened the scoring in the 65th minute, slotting home after a smart header by Asharaf Tapsoba. The latter then turned scorer in the 89th minute, rifling in a thunderbolt from distance to wrap up the win.
South Africa had their moments, including a first-half penalty missed by Neo Bohloko, but they struggled to break down Burkina Faso’s compact backline.
Despite the defeat, South Africa’s earlier results were enough to see them through in second place, and both sides now prepare for their quarter-final ties—and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇧🇫 2-0 🇿🇦
Burkina Faso keep their perfect start going as they beat South Africa to make it 3 wins out of 3. ✅#BFARSA | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/JtJJfjkoxk
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 6, 2025Egypt Roar Back to Life with Comeback Win Over Cameroon
Facing elimination, Egypt produced a stirring comeback to defeat Cameroon 2-1 in their final Group D clash, reigniting their U-17 AFCON campaign and securing a place in the World Cup qualification play-offs.
After falling behind to an early penalty from Emini Zibi, the Young Pharaohs showed grit and heart. Goals from Abdel Karim and El Zogby flipped the script in a must-win game.
Head coach Ahmed Abdou Abdelaziz hailed the fightback, calling it “a turning point” and lauding his players for their “patriotic spirit.”
“This victory means a lot. It will help us for the rest of the tournament,” Abdelaziz said post-match.
With belief restored and momentum on their side, Egypt now face a do-or-die World Cup playoff on April 12 in El Jadida against the third-place finisher from Group D.
From near elimination to revived ambition, the Egyptians have come alive—and they’re not done yet.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇨🇲 1-2 🇪🇬
Egypt fight back against 10-man Cameroon to earn their first 3 points. ✅#CMREGY | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/4rvJcMjWV2
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 6, 2025
