Morocco and Mali Set Up Blockbuster Final at 2025 U-17 AFCON

Hosts Morocco and two-time champions Mali will contest the final of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after emerging victorious in their respective semi-final clashes on Tuesday.

🇲🇦 Morocco Edge Côte d’Ivoire in Nerve-Wracking Shoot-Out

In front of a passionate home crowd at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, Morocco held their nerve to overcome Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw in regulation time.

The match was a showcase of tactical discipline and missed opportunities, with both sides creating chances but lacking the clinical finishing required to break the deadlock. Morocco pushed forward repeatedly, spurred on by the energy of the crowd, while the Ivorians remained compact and dangerous on the counter.

With 90 minutes offering no breakthrough, the contest was decided by penalties. In a dramatic shoot-out, the Atlas Cubs emerged victorious 4-3, thanks to composed finishing and a crucial save from goalkeeper Yassine Lamrabet.

The win sends Morocco into their first U-17 AFCON final since 2013, with the opportunity to lift the trophy on home soil.

🇲🇱 Mali Brush Aside Burkina Faso to Reach Final

Earlier in the day, Mali delivered a clinical performance to dispatch Burkina Faso 2-0 at Stade Larbi Zaouli, booking their place in the final for the first time since winning the title in 2017.

Soumaila Fané opened the scoring just before halftime, blasting a sensational long-range effort into the top corner in the 42nd minute. Mali doubled their advantage in the 74th minute, when Mahamadou Traoré headed home a perfectly weighted cross from Fané, capping off an excellent team move.

Burkina Faso struggled to respond despite moments of promise, including a missed header from Halidou Diakité. Their woes were compounded when both Ali Koné and Alassana Bagayogo were sent off for second yellow cards, reducing the Stallions to nine men and ending their hopes of a comeback.

🏆 Road to the Final

The final showdown is now set: Morocco vs. Mali on Saturday, April 19. Both teams have shown strong defensive organization and attacking flair, setting the stage for an exciting battle for continental glory.

Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso will contest the third-place playoff on the same day, seeking to end their campaigns on a high note and secure a spot on the podium.

Standout Performers

• Soumaila Fané (Mali) – Scored a stunning opener and provided an assist for the second goal.

• Mahamadou Traoré (Mali) – Netted Mali’s second with a decisive header.

• Yassine Lamrabet (Morocco) – Saved a key penalty to help Morocco reach the final.

The 2025 U-17 AFCON final promises fireworks, as two of Africa’s rising football powerhouses prepare for one last test. With silverware and pride on the line, fans across the continent will be watching closely.