2025 FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup: Mali eliminate Zambia with 3-1 win to advance to Round 16

Mali are through to the Round 16 stage of the 2025 FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup after dispatching Zambia with a 3-1 victory on Friday.

Seydou Dembélé continued his outstanding form at the tournament, scoring the decisive goal and providing another assist to take his tally to two goals and three assists.

The JMG Academy graduate set the tone early in the second half when he created the opener for Ndjicoura Bomba.

Zambia, however, responded shortly after the hour mark, with Mapalo Simute drawing the Young Chipolopolo level. The equaliser reignited the contest, but Mali finished the stronger side. Dembélé struck again in the 85th minute to restore the lead, before Lamine Keita sealed the victory in stoppage time.

The win sends Mali into the Round of 16 stage, where they will take on fellow Africans, Morocco.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Egypt bowed out after a 3-1 defeat to Switzerland.

The Swiss side took control early, going into the break with a two-goal advantage and adding another shortly after the restart. Egypt managed a late consolation through Anas Roshdy, but it wasn’t enough to rescue their campaign.