CAN U17: standings after the second matchday

After two emotion-filled matchdays, the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, CAN U17, takes a short break this Saturday before the grand finale of the group stage, set for Sunday, April 6.

A decisive final day looms, with six remaining spots in the quarter-finals up for grabs, and consequently, a place in the U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

The battle rages in groups A and C

While some nations have already secured their tickets to the next round, suspense remains in several groups, notably in pools A and C where the battle is fierce.

In Group A, host nation Morocco faces a crucial game against Tanzania. A win is imperative, but that's not all: the Atlas Cubs must also improve their goal difference to avoid being level with Zambia at the top of the standings.

Similar uncertainty looms in Group C where defending champions Senegal are under threat from Tunisia and Gambia. Nothing is settled yet.

It is worth remembering that only the top two from each group advance to the quarter-finals of this CAN U17, with a qualification for the World Cup at stake.

Here are the standings of the four groups of the CAN U17 after the second matchday:

Group A

1. Morocco – 4 pts (+5)
2. Zambia – 4 pts (+3)
3. Uganda – 3 pts (-2)
4. Tanzania – 0 pts (-6)

Group B

1. Burkina Faso – 6 pts (+2) (Qualified)
2. South Africa – 4 pts (+1)
3. Cameroon – 1 pt (-1)
4. Egypt – 0 pts (-2)

Group C

1. Tunisia – 4 pts (+3)
2. Senegal – 4 pts (+1)
3. Gambia – 3 pts (+3)
4. Somalia – 0 pts (-7)

Group D

1. Mali – 6 pts (+3) (Qualified)
2. Ivory Coast – 4 pts (+5)
3. Angola – 1 pt (-1)
4. Central African Republic – 0 pts (-7)

Everything is still to play for the remaining spots, and the final matchday promises to be electrifying. Tune in on Sunday to find out which eight teams will continue their continental... and global dreams.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

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