Hosts Morocco join Burkina Faso in semi-finals

by Staff Reporter

Friday Apr 11, 2025. 11:00

There were goals galore in Thursday’s quarter-final action at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations as Burkina Faso moved to the top of the scoring charts.

Burkina Faso maintained their perfect start to the tournament with a 6-1 mauling of Zambia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Asharaf Tapsoba continued his superb AFCON form with a hat-trick (21′ PEN, 77′ PEN, 90′), having scored in every game thus far. Mohamed Fofana (12′) and Halidou Diakite (58′, 68′) also got in on the act for the Little Stallions, who became the first team to book their place in the semi-finals.

Abel Nyirongo (35′) bagged his second goal at the continental showpiece to at least put the Junior Copper Bullets on the scoreboard, but they were no match for Oscar Barro’s side, who are amongst the favourites to go all the way.

The West Africans are joined in the last four by host nation Morocco after they ran out convincing 3-1 victors over South Africa at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.

The Atlas Lions went into the break one goal to the good after Ismail El Aoud (13′) opened the scoring early on. Amajimbos hit back through Neo Bohloko nine minutes into the second half, but a quick-fire brace from Ziyad Baha (61′, 62′) ensured the home fans still have a vested interest in the tournament.

Thursday’s quarter-final results:

Burkina Faso 6-1 Zambia

Morocco 3-1 South Africa