U-17 AFCON: Mali confirms qualification for U-17 World Cup

Photo Credit: @CAF_Online/X

Mali joined West African neighbors Burkina Faso in qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup after only two matches at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations following Friday's 2-0 victory over Central African Republic.

Mali moved into first place in Group D courtesy of goals from Soumaila Fané and Ndjicoura Bomba against a Central African side that was reduced to nine players by the full time whistle.

After a spell where they looked more capable of scoring, Mali took the lead in the 20th minute when Bomba leaped to head a corner kick service across the six yard box to Fané who chested the ball into the goal.

It was a much better performance from Central African Republic who showed some quality in the first half. However, just like their opening match against Ivory Coast, Les Fauves suffered from a numerical disadvantage after Nelson Amadi was sent off for a clumsy challenge at the end of the first half following a VAR review.

Mali struck the fatal blow less than thirty seconds into the second half when Fané returned the favor to Bomba by providing a cross for the striker to display his aerial superiority once again with a headed goal. It only got worse for Central African Republic when Dario Ngombe's tackle alsoc came under the scrutiny, resulting in another red card in the 64th minute.

Mali will face second place side Ivory Coast in their final Group D match on Monday. Central African Republic still have plenty to play for on the same day when they face Angola, where a victory would revive their hopes of qualifying for the U-17 World Cup.

Group D Table (2 matches played)

	Points
Mali	6
Ivory Coast	4
Angola	1
Central African Republic	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.