Mali and Gambia Advance in U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Stages

Mali and Gambia achieved key victories in the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on April 5, 2025. Gambia defeated Somalia 5-1, while Mali beat Central African Republic 2-0, ensuring both teams advanced to the knockout stages. Other matches saw Tunisia and Senegal draw 0-0, and Ivory Coast hold Angola to a 0-0 stalemate.

On April 5, 2025, the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations featured significant outcomes, with Gambia achieving a resounding 5-1 victory over Somalia. This match occurred at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium, where Alieu Drammeh netted a hat-trick, scoring in the 4th, 16th, and 76th minutes. The win marked Gambia’s first success in Group C, aided by an own goal from Liban Kalif Mohamed and a late strike from Bisenty Mendy.

Somalia’s only goal came from Anas Isse Mohamed in the 48th minute, but their defeat eliminated them from the tournament, as it was their second consecutive loss. In the same group, a later match between Tunisia and Senegal ended in a stalemate, placing Tunisia at the top and Senegal in second, both with four points.

In Group D, Mali secured their knockout stage berth with a 2-0 win over Central African Republic at the Berrechid Municipal Stadium. Soumaila Fane opened the scoring in the 21st minute, followed by Ndjicoura Bomba’s goal in the 46th minute, allowing Mali to maintain their perfect record with six points. The defeat contributed to Central African Republic’s elimination, as they faced consecutive losses.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast managed to remain unbeaten in the group with a goalless draw against Angola. They hold second place behind Mali, two points adrift, while Angola only earned one point from their matches, finding themselves in a challenging position for potential advancement to the quarter-finals.

The April 5 matches of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations revealed crucial developments as Mali and Gambia secured their respective positions in the knockout stages. Mali remains unbeaten, while Gambia salvaged their tournament hopes with a decisive victory. The results have significantly altered the standings in both groups, intensifying the competition as teams vie for advancement.

Original Source: africanfootball.com