U-17 AFCON: Decisive Mali defeat neighbors Burkina Faso to qualify for final

Photo Credit: @CAF_Online/X

Excellent defending and attention to the details paid off for Mali on Tuesday as the Eaglets overcame Burkina Faso by a 2-0 score to advance to the final of the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

A powerful strike at the end of the first half from Soumaila Fané sparked the Malian team, who produced a clean sheet against the formidable Burkinabe attack. A header from a corner kick by Mahamadou Traoré put Mali beyond reach in the 74th minute.

Burkina Faso continued their direct style of play but it was a frustrating match for the Stallion Cadets who could not find a way through the stern Malian defense. Mali goalkeeper Lamine Sinaba did brilliantly to push away a header from close range by Burkina Faso defender Ali Koné following a corner kick.

Sinaba's save and the disciplined Malian effort was rewarded close to halftime when Fané received the ball in midfield and effortlessly escaped a couple of Burkinabe defenders before unleashing a powerful strike that was too strong for goalkeeper Prince Ouédraogo.

Burkina Faso star Ashraf Tapsoba and his teammates continued to make no progress and the frustration only increased when Traoré leaped to meet a Fané corner kick and head past Ouédraogo. Soon after, Ali Koné was sent off for a second yellow card and was later followed off the pitch by Alassana Bagayogo to reduce Burkina Faso to nine players by full time.

Mali will face the winner of Tuesday's later semifinal between Ivory Coast and hosts Morocco in the final which is set for Saturday. Burkina Faso will face the loser of the second match in the third place match on Friday.