WAFU-A U17: Guinea stuns Sierra Leone to book semi-final spot

Guinea clinched a place in the semi-finals of the UFOA-A U17 Tournament after an impressive 3-1 comeback win over Sierra Leone on Sunday in Bamako.

The victory also confirmed the young Syli side’s qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations in this age category.

The match began in the worst possible way for Guinea, as they fell behind after just nine minutes following a swift Sierra Leone counter-attack.

But the early setback only seemed to galvanise the team, who responded with determination and composure.

Their equaliser arrived in the 18th minute through Kebir Cissé, who struck confidently to restore parity.

The goal shifted the momentum entirely, with Guinea beginning to dictate possession and press higher up the pitch.

Their sustained pressure paid off before half-time when they took the lead in the 35th minute, completing the turnaround.

After the break, Guinea maintained control of the game, showing maturity and tactical discipline beyond their years.

The decisive third goal came in the 70th minute, sealing a well-deserved victory and ensuring they finished top of their group.

𝙁𝙚́𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 à nos U17 👏

✅ Vainqueurs (3-1) face à la Sierra Leone ce dimanche 12 octobre 2025 à Bamako, nos jeunes se qualifient pour les demi-finales du tournoi UFOA-A, qualificatif à la prochaine CAN de leur catégorie.

🥇Au terme de cette phase de groupes,… pic.twitter.com/EtvtxcAe9S

— Fédération Guinéenne de Football (@fgfofficiel) October 12, 2025

The result reflected Guinea’s growing confidence and collective strength throughout the tournament.

The team’s balance between technical skill and physical commitment allowed them to dominate large stretches of the contest, while their defensive organisation effectively nullified Sierra Leone’s counter-attacking threat.

For Guinea, this win represents more than just a semi-final berth—it highlights the progress of a new generation of players capable of competing at the highest levels of African youth football.

Their resilience after conceding early also underscored their mental toughness, an attribute that will be crucial as the competition reaches its decisive stages.

With this result, the Syli Espoirs advance to face Mali in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final clash.

Both teams have demonstrated attacking flair and strong tactical awareness, setting the stage for a high-quality encounter.

The victory in Bamako not only strengthens Guinea’s position as one of the tournament favourites but also reinforces the nation’s reputation for nurturing young football talent across the continent.