Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali make good start in Group D U17 AFCON after beating Angola
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali make good start in Group D U17 AFCON after beating Angola

Mali made a strong start to their TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola on Tuesday at the Stade Municipal de Berrechid.

Goals from Ndjicoura Bomba and Soungalo Coulibaly secured all three points for the Malians in their opening Group D match, placing them at the top of the table ahead of Côte d’Ivoire and the Central African Republic, who were set to face each other later in the day.

Mali struck first in the 11th minute when Bomba, who was lively throughout the match, fired a right-footed shot into the top corner from the center of the box after being set up by Seydou Dembélé. The West Africans created several opportunities to extend their lead but were pegged back just before halftime.

Angola equalized in the third minute of added time at the end of the first half, with Jayden Puna scoring from close range after a clever headed assist by Manelson. The goal was confirmed by VAR after a brief review.

In the second half, both teams pushed for a winning goal in a physical contest, but it was Mali who found the breakthrough in the 74th minute. Substitute Coulibaly delivered a moment of brilliance, striking a right-footed shot from long range into the bottom left corner following a corner kick.

Angola pressed for a late equalizer, with Densel Liyun coming close in added time, but Mali held on to secure a crucial three points. This victory gives Mali early control of Group D and boosts their confidence ahead of their next match.

Alynho Haidara delivers a stellar performance as Côte d'Ivoire cruises past CAR
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alynho Haidara delivers top-notch a performance as Côte d’Ivoire ease-past CAR

In Group D on Tuesday evening Côte d’Ivoire put six goals past the Central African Republic, who managed to respond with just one goal, resulting in a commanding 6-1 victory for Côte d’Ivoire CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Alynho Haidara was the standout player on Tuesday, scoring an impressive four goals and earning the Man of the Match award. The former champions, aiming to follow in the footsteps of their seniors who won Africa’s most prestigious trophy last year, wasted no time in taking the lead.

Haidara opened the scoring in the 4th minute and was back on the scoresheet in the 13th minute, securing a two-goal cushion. He completed his hat trick in the 41st minute.

The Central African Republic pulled one back just before halftime, with Anan Otto scoring his first goal of the tournament in the 45th minute. However, returning from the break, the former champions continued to dominate, with Haidara capping off his exceptional performance by scoring his fourth goal in the 55th minute.

Mobio Franck and Yannis Touali also contributed with late strikes, rounding off an impressive performance in their opening match of the title chase.

Côte d’Ivoire’s commanding victory puts them at the top of Group D, with Mali in second after defeating Angola, followed by Angola and the Central African Republic. The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations continues on Wednesday, highlighting top youth football from Africa.

Alynho Haidara was the standout player on Tuesday, scoring an impressive four goals and earning the Man of the Match award.
Alynho Haidara was the standout player on Tuesday, scoring an impressive four goals and earning the Man of the Match award.
Morocco thrash Uganda in CAF U17 Cup of Nations opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco thrash Uganda in CAF U17 Cup of Nations opener

Morocco began the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with an impressive 5-0 victory over Uganda in Mohammedia on Sunday night.

The hosts quickly established their dominance, scoring two goals in the first ten minutes. Ilies Belmokhtar opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by Driss Aït Chiekh in the eighth. In the 23rd minute, a penalty, awarded after a VAR review, was converted by Ziyad Baha Abedlahadj, who was cheered by the crowd.

Belmokhtar scored again, bringing Morocco’s lead to 4-0 before halftime. The team dominated possession at 67% and converted four of six chances in the first half.

After the break, Uganda tried to regroup, but Moroccan goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch made several crucial saves. In the 71st minute, Ziyad Baha scored again after a defensive error, finalizing the score at 5-0.

This commanding win puts Morocco at the top of Group A, sending a strong message to their rivals as they celebrate Eid with their fans. It was a clear statement of intent from a team determined to go far in the tournament.

Read related – Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda

Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda

Ilies Belmokhtar from Morocco made a standout debut with two goals at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a stunning performance in his team’s 5-0 victory over Uganda.

The AS Monaco forward, turning 17 in May, showcased his talent and emerging leadership within a promising Moroccan squad. “The most important thing is the three points. I wouldn’t be here without the win,” he stated after receiving his award.

Known for his skillful use of both feet and sharp decision-making, Belmokhtar helped lead Morocco’s aggressive play that left Uganda struggling to keep up. “We saw that our opponents weren’t pressing us, so we played our game and applied what we’ve worked on in training,” he noted.

Morocco’s U-17 team represents a new era in North African youth football, blending tactical discipline with flair. As they face tougher challenges ahead, Belmokhtar’s composure and scoring ability will be crucial. If Sunday’s performance is any indication, he is ready for the spotlight.

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Sierra Leone's Juma Bah out of Lens League tie against Lille due to injury
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah out of Lens derby tie against Lille due to injury

Lens’ Juma Bah suffered a serious injury during training on Saturday morning when he collided head-to-head with teammate Jonathan Gradit, Lequipe reports.

As a result, Bah lost two teeth and spent the afternoon in the hospital for further examination. He will miss the Lille derby this Sunday at 8:45 p.m. and will not return to action until Tuesday, by concussion protocol.

Bah sat in shock for several minutes following the collision and will likely be replaced by Malang Sarr at kickoff. Meanwhile, Gradit has also sustained an injury, requiring stitches for a cut on his eyebrow. His fitness is currently uncertain, and a medical examination will assess the condition of his swollen eye on Sunday morning after he wakes up.

With both players’ statuses in question, Lens is expected to play in a 5-3-2 formation if Gradit is fit. If he cannot play, coach Will Still may need to switch to a 4-5-1 formation.

Two teams competing for European football next season face off in Ligue 1 this weekend as Lille hosts Lens in the Derby du Nord on Sunday evening.