Drama at U-17 AFCON as Ivory Coast, Mali reach semi-finals on penalties

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Apr 12, 2025. 11:00

Ivory Coast and Mali booked their places in the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after thrilling penalty shootout victories on Friday evening.

Both matches showcased the intense competition of the tournament, with neither team able to secure a win in regulation or extra time. Ivory Coast triumphed 5-3 on penalties against defending champions Senegal following a tense, goalless draw.

The young Elephants held their nerve in the shootout to overcome the pre-tournament favourites. Mali also needed penalties to progress, edging out Tunisia 10-9 after a hard-fought 1-1 draw that extended into extra time.

The two victorious sides will now join Burkina Faso and Morocco in the semi-finals, which are scheduled for Tuesday, April 15th.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ziyad Baha has emerged as one of the tournament’s brightest stars.

The Real Betis youngster delivered a standout performance in Morocco’s quarter-final victory against South Africa, earning him the Man of the Match award.

Reflecting on the achievement, Baha said, “I dreamed of this moment long before kick-off. We wanted this semi-final. And now, we’re aiming for the final. The trophy must stay in Morocco.”

“Man of the Match? I’ve wanted that for a long time. What we really want is to become African champions.”

Baha’s impressive displays have fuelled Morocco’s hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil.

U-17 AFCON Quarter-Final Results

Thursday, 10 April

Burkina Faso 6-1 Zambia

Morocco 3-1 South Africa

Friday, 11 April

Ivory Coast 0-0 Senegal (Ivory Coast won 5-3 on penalties)

Tunisia 1-1 Mali (Mali won 10-9 on penalties)