Mali Set to Face Angola in TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON 2025 Group D Opener
Mali will play against Angola in the Group D opener of the TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON 2025. Mali has a strong history in the tournament, having previously defeated Angola in two encounters. Angola returns to the finals after missing the previous tournament and is looking to improve its record against West African teams.
The opening match of Group D at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 will see Mali face Angola at the Berrechid Municipal Stadium on Tuesday at 17:00 local time. This encounter marks the third time the two teams will compete in the tournament, with Mali having previously won both meetings.
In their last encounter during the 2017 finals, Mali triumphed with a decisive 6-1 victory, having also secured a 2-1 win in their group game in 1999. Angola, competing against West African teams for the ninth time, has a mixed record of two wins, one draw, and five losses in their previous encounters.
Mali, a three-time finalist, has won the title twice and is recognized for their prominent history in the tournament. They initially hosted the AFCON in 1995 and have made ten appearances in total, the most alongside Nigeria. In their track record, Mali has reached the semi-finals on seven occasions, evidencing their consistent performance.
In terms of group stage performance, Mali’s record stands at two wins, three draws, and four losses in their opening matches. Notably, they remain unbeaten in their last eight group stage games, with their last loss occurring in 2011. Currently, the team has only conceded two goals in their last seven games, showcasing a robust defense.
Angola returns to the tournament after a hiatus and has played four opening matches historically. Their group stage record reflects one win, two draws, and one loss. Angola reached the third-place finish in 2019, their best performance in the AFCON, with their recent run against Mali being less favorable due to two previous losses. They qualified for this edition by finishing as runners-up at the 2024 COSAFA U17 Championships, demonstrating potential in regional competitions.
In summary, the upcoming match between Mali and Angola at the TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON presents a significant encounter, particularly for Mali, who boast a strong historical performance in the tournament. While Mali has shown remarkable consistency and success, Angola’s return to the AFCON adds an element of unpredictability to the competition. Both teams carry distinct records that will undoubtedly influence the outcome of their opening game.
Original Source: www.cafonline.com
Post Comment