2025 U17 World Cup: Senegal shine as African teams secure strong presence in knockouts stage

Senegal have booked their place in the round of 32 of the U17 World Cup, becoming one of three African nations to qualify after a commanding performance in Qatar on Sunday.

The Young Lions of Teranga sealed top spot in Group C with an emphatic 5-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates, maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament.

The result followed a goalless draw against Croatia and a narrow 1-0 win over Costa Rica in their opening matches.

Senegal’s dominance was highlighted by a dazzling display from Bakary Sonko, who struck a hat-trick in the 19th, 41st and 60th minutes.

Malick Cissé had earlier opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 14th minute, before Victor Etienne Mendy — already attracting attention from Marseille, Strasbourg and several other European clubs — completed the rout in the 74th minute.

With seven points and a superior goal difference over Croatia, Senegal finished as group leaders, underlining their credentials as one of the tournament’s most balanced and clinical sides.

Joining them in the knockout stage are South Africa, who also advanced despite a 3-1 defeat to Italy.

The Amajimbos had earlier beaten Bolivia 3-1 and drawn 1-1 with hosts Qatar, results that were enough to secure second place in Group A.

Meanwhile, Zambia became the first African team to qualify earlier in the competition after two outstanding wins — 3-1 against Indonesia and 5-2 against Honduras — ensuring progression even before facing Brazil in their final group match.

L’aventure se poursuit pour nos Lionceaux, qualifiés pour les 16e de finale de la Coupe du Monde 2025 des moins de 17 ans. 🇸🇳#U17WC2025 pic.twitter.com/RqOpt0cK0Y

— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) November 9, 2025

Morocco, who produced one of the tournament’s most remarkable results with a 16-0 demolition of New Caledonia, are virtually assured of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

With three of the four third-place qualifying slots likely filled, Tunisia (3 points, +3 goal difference) remain hopeful of joining them.

Elsewhere, Ivory Coast (0 points, -4 goal difference) face South Korea in their final group game with slim qualification hopes.

Egypt, leading their group with four points before their clash with England, are in a much stronger position to progress.

On Tuesday, Mali (3 points, 0 goal difference) take on Saudi Arabia, and Burkina Faso (3 points, 0) face Tajikistan, both seeking to confirm their qualification.

Uganda (1 point, -1) face the steepest challenge, needing victory against France to advance.