U-17 AFCON: Angola holds Ivory Coast to share the points

Photo Credit: @CAF_Online/X

Angola and Ivory Coast played to a scoreless draw on Friday in a well contested match from Group D at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Ivorian team created more opportunities but Angola were unfortunate to miss out on victory after a second half goals was disallowed by the flag of the assistant referee for offsides. Petro de Luanda forward Edilásio made the mistake of making the final touch on what was going to be a goal for Eliseu Francisco.

But for the majority of the match, it was Ivory Coast who controlled play but poor finishing and the efforts of Angola goalkeeper Gelson Dala prevented Les Éléphanteaux from achieving victory. Dala did well to deny a 52nd minute free kick and also foiled an opportunity for Ivorian star Alynho Haïdara in the 77th minute.

The result puts Angola (1 point) in a good position to remain in the chase for qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup with their final match against Group D minnows Central African Republic on Monday. Ivory Coast, on 4 points, will face Mali in an intriguing clash between West African powerhouses on the same day.

Group D Table

	GP	Points
Ivory Coast	2	4
Mali	1	3
Angola	2	1
Central African Republic	1	0

• The top two teams qualify for the quarterfinals and the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

• The four third place finishers from all groups qualify for a playoff, from which two teams will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.