Mali Qualifies for the Quarterfinals of the U17 AFCON After Victory Against Central African Republic
The Mali national team secured its qualification for the quarter-finals of the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (CAN U17) after defeating the Central African Republic 2-0 on Friday at the Berrechid Municipal Stadium during the second matchday of Group D.
The goals for Mali were scored by Soumaila Fané in the 21st minute and Ndjicoura Bomba in the 46th minute, allowing Mali to achieve a second consecutive victory and secure the top spot in the group with 6 points, five points ahead of Angola (1 point), which is in third place. This victory guarantees Mali one of the two spots for the quarter-finals and also paves the way for direct qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled in Qatar.
In the other group match, the Ivory Coast managed to draw 0-0 against Angola, keeping them in second place with 4 points.
Mali thus joins Burkina Faso, which qualified last Wednesday as the winner of Group B, in the quarter-finals of the competition.
This edition of the CAN U17, featuring 12 teams divided into four groups, also serves as a qualifying tournament for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals and the World Cup, while the last two qualifying spots will be determined by play-off matches among the teams that finished third in their respective groups.
