Angola bowed out of the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a resounding 6-1 victory over the Central African Republic, delivering a commanding performance in their final Group D fixture.
Although already out of contention for a place in the quarter-finals, the Palanquinhas produced an attacking masterclass at the Berrechid Municipal Stadium in Morocco, offering their supporters a parting display of flair and determination.
Lucas opened the scoring in the 13th minute from the penalty spot, giving Angola an early lead and setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.
The advantage was doubled in the 26th minute when Denzel Liyun opened his personal account, the first of three goals on an evening where he shone brightest in front of goal.
Angola continued to dictate the tempo after the interval, showing no signs of slowing down.
Liyun found the net again in the 63rd minute before Jairo Muanza added his name to the scoresheet just one minute later, making it 4-0.
Liyun then completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, capping off a sensational individual performance and pushing the scoreline to an emphatic 5-0.
The Central African Republic, who struggled to contain the relentless Angolan attacks, managed to pull one back late in the match.A.
Otto found the net in the 87th minute following a clever assist from D.
Yandocka, offering a brief moment of consolation for the Beasts.
But Angola were not finished yet. In stoppage time, Muanza completed his brace with a sixth goal in the 90th+2 minute, putting the final seal on an explosive attacking display.
Despite the emphatic result, Angola’s journey in the competition ends here, as previous group-stage setbacks left them unable to progress to the knockout rounds.
Still, the dominant win will be seen as a moment of pride and promise for a young side that saved its best for last.
The Central African Republic also exit the tournament, finishing at the bottom of the group.
While neither team moves on, Angola’s farewell performance sends them home with heads held high, leaving a lasting impression in their final appearance.
