CAN U17 2025: the schedule and stakes of matchday 3

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations U17 reaches a critical juncture with the third matchday of the group stage scheduled for April 6 and 7. This day will be crucial for qualification into the quarterfinals.

The teams in contention are playing for their future this weekend. Burkina Faso and Mali have secured their spots in the quarterfinals by clinching their second victory on matchday 2. For this third day of the tournament, only six places are available.

Group A: Morocco and Zambia seek confirmation

After two matchdays, Morocco and Zambia lead Group A with 4 points each. Morocco, buoyed by its resounding 5-0 victory against Uganda in the opening match, then drew 1-1 with Zambia. Meanwhile, Zambia started with a 4-1 win over Tanzania before sharing the spoils with Morocco. Uganda, with 3 points, remains in the hunt thanks to its 3-0 win over Tanzania, which sits at the bottom with no points.

Morocco only needs a draw against Tanzania to secure its qualification, while Zambia must avoid defeat against Uganda to secure its place in the quarterfinals. Uganda, with a victory, could shake up the current standings.

Schedule for matchday 3 of Group A:

Morocco vs Tanzania: 19:00 GMT

Uganda vs Zambia: 19:00 GMT

Group B: Burkina Faso already qualified, South Africa and Cameroon in the mix

Burkina Faso has already punched its ticket to the quarterfinals thanks to its two initial victories, including a 2-1 win over Egypt. South Africa, with 4 points, holds second place after a 0-0 draw with Cameroon. The latter, with just one point, must win to keep its qualification hopes alive, while Egypt is already eliminated after two defeats.

South Africa must avoid defeat against Burkina Faso to retain its second place, while Cameroon must beat Egypt and hope for a South African slip-up to reach the quarterfinals.

Schedule for matchday 3 of Group B:

Burkina Faso vs South Africa: 16:00 GMT

Cameroon vs Egypt: 16:00 GMT

Groups C and D: Total suspense for the final matchday

In Group C, Senegal and Tunisia share the top spot with 4 points each, following a 0-0 draw in their head-to-head clash. Gambia follows with 3 points, while Somalia is already eliminated. The decisive matches will be played on Monday, April 7.

Schedule for matchday 3 of Group C:

Senegal vs Somalia: 19:00 GMT

Tunisia vs Gambia: 19:00 GMT

Group D sees Mali dominating with 6 points, followed by Ivory Coast with 4 points. Angola and Central African Republic trail with 1 and 0 points, respectively. Mali, already qualified, will face Ivory Coast for a top-of-the-table clash on Monday, April 7.

Schedule for matchday 3 of Group D:

Mali vs Ivory Coast: 16:00 GMT

Angola vs Central African Republic: 16:00 GMT

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.