CAN U17: Mali soars to the final!

Mali will compete in the 2025 U17 AFCON final! Two years after falling short in the third-place match, the Aiglonnets took their revenge this Tuesday by authoritatively defeating Burkina Faso (0-2) in the first semi-final held at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

The Burkinabè, unrecognizable compared to their previous performances, adopted an unexpectedly defensive stance, leaving the initiative to the Malians. The latter created the first chances, with Seydou Dembélé on a free kick, while Burkina responded timidly through Bagayoko.

A header saved by Lamine Sinaba in the 25th minute was their best opportunity.

The Burkinabè lacked inspiration!

It was ultimately Soumaila Fané who freed Mali with a splendid slalom concluded by an unstoppable strike (42nd minute). Offensively uninspired despite the presence of Ashraf Tapsoba, the Burkinabè never managed to come back.

Mahamadou Traoré sealed the match with a header from a corner (74th minute), before Burkina finished with ten men following the expulsion of Ali Koné (77th minute).

Thus, Mali will compete in the grand final against the winner of Morocco-Ivory Coast. Burkina Faso will try to console themselves with the third-place match.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.