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CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025
by Football Sierra Leone

Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco schedule confirmed

The Confederation African Football (CAF) has shared important details about the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. The tournament will take place from March 30 to April 19, 2025, with 16 countries participating.

Four stadiums will be used for the matches: the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Berrechid Stadium, both in Casablanca, and the El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida.

The tournament starts on March 30 at the El Bachir Stadium with the opening match featuring Morocco against Uganda, the East African champions, at 22:00 local time (GMT).

On March 31, Tanzania will play against Southern African champions Zambia at 14:00. Later that day, Burkina Faso, last edition’s bronze medallists, will face two-time champions Cameroon in a Group B match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium at 17:00.

The last match of the day, also at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, will see 2015 runners-up South Africa play against 1997 champions Egypt at 20:00.

On April 1, matches for Groups C and D will begin, featuring the defending champions, Senegal. Senegal will play The Gambia at the El Abdi Stadium at 14:00, while Somalia, in their second finals appearance, will compete against Tunisia at 17:00.

In Group D, Mali, who finished fourth in the last edition, will face tournament newcomers Angola at 17:00. Former champions Côte d’Ivoire will aim for an opening win against the Central African Republic at 20:00.

The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2025 will also determine which teams qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Africa will have 10 representatives at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

For a full list of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Fixtures, Times and Venues – CLICK HERE 

To download a graphic of the fixtures for editorial use only, CLICK HERE 

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Groups: 

  • GROUP A: Morocco (Hosts), Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia
  • GROUP B: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt
  • GROUP C: Senegal, Gambia, Somalia, Tunisia
  • GROUP D: Mali, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Central African Republic
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nets brace as Gabon go top of Group F
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nets brace as Gabon go top of Group F

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice, helping Gabon win 2-1 against Kenya and reach the top of Group F. In another World Cup 2026 qualifying match, Eswatini and Mauritius ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw on Sunday.

Aubameyang gave Gabon an early lead in Nairobi. He scored a second goal from a penalty in the second half.

Kenya answered with a goal from Michael Olunga around the 60-minute mark, but Gabon held on to win and earn three important points.

This victory puts Gabon at the top of Group F with 15 points, ahead of Côte d’Ivoire, increasing their chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

Kenya now faces a tough road ahead, as this loss sets them back in the qualifying campaign.

In Group B, Eswatini and Mauritius played an exciting match with six goals. Thabo Mkhonto scored twice for Eswatini in the first 16 minutes.

Mauritius came back in the second half, with goals from Linsley Rose and Yven Aristide leveling the score just three minutes apart.

Eswatini seemed to secure the win when Mabuza scored in the 75th minute. However, Jean scored in stoppage time for Mauritius, earning them a draw.

Both Eswatini and Mauritius now sit near the bottom of Group B, with their chances of qualifying looking slim as the final rounds approach.

Morocco strengthens grip in Group E World Cup qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco strengthen grip in Group E World Cup qualifiers

Morocco came from behind to defeat Niger 2-1, strengthening their lead in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. Meanwhile, Guinea’s campaign suffered a setback with a frustrating goalless draw against Somalia.

In Oujda, the Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup, fell behind after a goal from Niger’s Boubacar Goumey Oumarou in the 47th minute.

However, a triple substitution by coach Walid Regragui revitalized the team. Ismael Saibari equalized in the 59th minute, tapping in a clever assist from Brahim Diaz. Morocco secured the win with a late goal from Bilal El Khannouss in stoppage time, keeping them six points clear at the top of Group E.

In contrast, Guinea’s hopes crumbled in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Somalia, who are among the lowest-ranked in African football. Despite having Champions League star Serhou Guirassy, Guinea struggled to break down Somalia’s defensive setup, missing a chance to pressure Group G leaders Mozambique and second-placed Algeria.

As criticism of the team grows, Guinea faces a must-win match against Uganda next, while Morocco prepares to face Tanzania.

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria's performance after defeating Rwanda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria’s performance after defeating Rwanda

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle praised his players after their 2-0 win against the Amavubi of Rwanda.

Nigeria matchday five tie took place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday night and marked the Super Eagles’ first victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. With this win, the team moved up to fourth place in Group C.

In his post-match remarks, Chelle said, “It was a tough game; Rwanda has a strong team. I am proud of my players. We worked hard in the few days leading up to this match, although we only had two full training sessions. However, we controlled the ball well in the second half. It was a solid performance from my players.”

Chelle also mentioned his team’s strategy and the need for improvement. He stated, “I enjoy setting up the game plan. We tried two different tactics. This is just the first game, and we need to improve as we prepare for the next one.”

He emphasized that teamwork is essential. “Every player can contribute, and we need to work together to reach our goal of qualifying for the World Cup. We have talented players, and today the team performed well. My job is to make decisions about the game plan and which players to use.”

Rwanda’s head coach, Adel Amrouche, expressed disappointment after the Amavubi’s loss to the Super Eagles.

“We need to correct some things in the team. Unfortunately, we lost, but we will regroup for the next game,” he said. “I am ashamed of today’s performance, especially in front of our fans and the president.”

Bertrand Traoré nets as Burkina Faso down Djibouti in Group A tie
by Football Sierra Leone

Bertrand Traoré nets as Burkina Faso down Djibouti in Group A tie

Burkina Faso defeated Djibouti 4-1, allowing them to overtake Sierra Leone on goal difference ahead of matchday six against Guinea-Bissau in the World Cup qualification matches for Group A.

As a result, Burkina Faso now sits in second place, behind Egypt, who are set to play against Ethiopia later this evening in the race for qualification to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Josue Tiendrebeogo opened the scoring in the 13th minute, and Bertrand Traoré doubled their lead in the 33rd minute at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi on Friday.

MC Alger player Mohamed Zougrana extended Burkina Faso’s lead to three goals, and Lassina Traoré capped it off with a fourth goal, making it 4-0.

Djibouti’s Samuel Akinbinu managed to pull one back with a consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 88th minute.

Group leaders Egypt will face Ethiopia later in the final match of group stage five.

On matchday six, Burkina Faso will travel to meet Guinea-Bissau at Estádio 24 de Setembro, while Ethiopia will host Djibouti at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi. Additionally, Sierra Leone will entertain Egypt in Cairo on Tuesday.