U15 World Cup: Algeria knocked out on penalties as Morocco beat Cameroon

Guinea ended Algeria’s U15 World Cup title hopes on penalties, while Morocco, Senegal, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia and the RD Congo all progressed in the first knockout matches in Baku on Wednesday.

Algeria had been one of the standout teams in the group stage, winning four matches against Argentina (1-0), Suriname (5-0), Chinese Taipei (5-0) and Malawi (4-0). They also drew 3-3 with Oman.

Those results gave Karim Ziani’s side 18 goals and only three conceded, securing top spot in their group and a place in Niveau A – the only section offering a route to the world title.

However, Guinea held Algeria to a goalless draw in the 40-minute match before winning the subsequent penalty shootout. Guinea had also gone unbeaten during the opening phase of the tournament.

The result brought an early end to Algeria’s challenge for the title, although their competition continues. Under the format of this World Cup-Festival, they will now play classification matches as they attempt to finish strongly and learn from their first defeat.

Morocco advanced in style after beating Cameroon 4-1 in the other all-African tie in the main bracket. The Lionceaux de l’Atlas had won all five of their group matches and maintained their strong attacking form in the knockout stage.

Karim Miftal’s team remain in contention to win Niveau A and become the first champions of the experimental format launched by FIFA. Cameroon, like Algeria, will now compete in matches to determine the final rankings.

Senegal and Mali make progress

Competing in the Niveau B bracket, Senegal produced another convincing performance by defeating Georgia 4-1.

Abdoulaye Diallo was the key figure, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist as the Lionceaux followed up an impressive group campaign with another emphatic victory.

Mali also continued their progress with a commanding 3-0 win over El Salvador, while Cote d’Ivoire defeated Kyrgyzstan 4-0. The results sent the young Aigles and Elephanteaux through in their respective sections.

Tunisia recovered from a difficult finish to the group phase by beating Namibia 4-0. The Aiglons de Carthage had opened the tournament with three victories but then lost their final two group matches against El Salvador and Brazil.

The RD Congo completed the day’s African successes by beating Mauritius 4-1 to reach the last 16 of Niveau D.

That result continued their revival after three successive defeats at the start of the tournament. They responded with two wins at the end of the group stage before producing another strong display against Mauritius.

All of the African teams involved will continue playing until the Festival ends. For Algeria, though, the title pursuit has finished far earlier than expected after their outstanding start to the competition.