Africa’s flag continues to fly high at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ as Morocco and Burkina Faso booked their quarter-final spots on Tuesday.
In a pulsating all-African tie, the Atlas Cubs overcame Mali 3-2, while the Stallions defeated debutants Uganda 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Morocco vs Mali:
Twice capitalising on Moncef Zekri’s set-pieces, Morocco survived a late Mali surge to secure victory. Ziyad Baha opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a deft header from Zekri’s free-kick. Mali’s Raymond Bomba levelled from the spot in first-half added time, only for Ismail El Aoud to restore Morocco’s lead five minutes later with a towering header.
After the break, Mali pressed for an equaliser but were stunned when El Aoud rifled home his second from distance midway through the half. Mali captain Seydou Dembélé scored a late thunderous strike, yet Morocco held on for a 3-2 win, setting up a glamour quarter-final clash with Brazil.
Burkina Faso vs Uganda:
In a tense encounter, Uganda took the lead on 56 minutes through Arafat Nkoola, only for Burkina Faso’s Alassana Bagayogo to volley in the 77th minute, forcing extra time. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Burkina Faso triumphed 5-3 after Uganda’s substitute Derick Ssozi struck the crossbar on the final kick. Mohamed Zongo was named Player of the Match, while captain Chérif Barro praised the team’s resilience.
Uganda coach Brian Ssenyondo lauded his young squad for their trailblazing campaign, noting they “represented themselves very well” despite the narrow exit.
Elsewhere, Brazil advanced on penalties against France to set up the quarter-final with Morocco, joining Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, and Austria in the last eight.
With two African sides guaranteed in the quarter-finals and both matches decided by fine margins, the continent’s young stars continue to deliver high-stakes drama in Doha.
BY SPORTS DESK
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The post Morocco edge Mali in 5-goal thriller; Burkina Faso win shootout to reach U-17 World Cup quarter-finals appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
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