Angola ended the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations group stage with a high-scoring 6-1 win over Central African Republic in Group D on Monday, Afrosport reports.
The Lusophone nation had no chance of progressing to the quarter-finals but were able to finish the tournament in style as Densel Liyun’s hat-trick, Jairo Muanha’s brace and Lucas’ penalty ensured they finished in third place while the Central Africans ended bottom with no wins.
There was also another high-scoring outcome in the other Group D game as Ivory Coast got the better of Mali in a 4-2 win.
With both sides through to the last eight, the battle for top spot was at stake and the Young Elephants took control of proceedings with a 3-1 first half lead thanks to Alynho Haidara’s brace and Moise Diarrassouba, who was assisted by Haidara.
Seydou Dembele scored for the Malians and also missed from the penalty spot before Ndjicoura Bomba netted their second goal.
Broulaye Cisse however had the last say for the Ivorians to ensure they took pole position in Group D.
In Group C, reigning champions Senegal settled for second place despite winning Somalia 2-0 while Tunisia claimed top spot after beating the Gambia 2-1 with 10 men.
Group C & D:
#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/Dq4mCJcEvc
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 7, 2025
Attention will now turn to the quarter-finals where Burkina Faso will take on Zambia, hosts Morocco face South Africa while Ivory Coast tackle Mali in an all-West African affair and Tunisia lock horns with Mali.
4 teams, 2 FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 tickets.
Who makes the cut?
#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/PJ4dzgKvKm
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 7, 2025
There will also be a playoff between all third-placed finishers to determine the remaining two spots for the expanded 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar. Angola will be up against Egypt and Uganda battle the Gambia.
