The final round of matches in Group C at the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations will unfold this Monday, April 7, with the stakes higher than ever.
As the group’s top three teams, Senegal, Tunisia, and Gambia, all vie for their places in the knockout stages, each match will carry immense significance in determining the future of the teams involved.
With the games set to kick off at 7:00 PM GMT, Group C is shaping up to be one of the most competitive of the tournament, with the potential for dramatic twists.
Senegal and Tunisia are tied at the top of the table with four points each, while Gambia sits closely behind with three points.
Only Somalia, with two losses from two matches, is effectively out of contention, but their role in the final round could still have a significant impact on the group’s outcome.
Senegal eyeing direct qualification against Somalia
For Senegal, the reigning U17 AFCON champions, a win against Somalia is crucial to secure direct qualification to the quarterfinals.
With a victory or even a draw, the Lionceaux would seal their place in the next stage.
Despite Somalia’s early exit from the competition, the East African side will be determined to finish on a high note and salvage some pride.
Senegal, however, will be focused on maintaining their dominant status and securing a result that confirms their progress.
Senegal’s coach, Ibrahima Sory Sow, will be expecting his players to deliver a strong performance, as they aim to defend their crown and continue their pursuit of another U17 title.
Tunisia vs Gambia: A must-win clash for the Scorpions
The other key match in Group C will see Tunisia face Gambia, with both teams aware of the importance of the result.
Tunisia, currently level with Senegal at the top, knows that a draw would likely be enough to see them through to the quarterfinals.
However, a defeat would see them exit the competition, so they will be keen to secure at least a point to ensure their advancement.
Gambia, on the other hand, faces a do-or-die situation. With three points from their first two matches, the Scorpions have no room for error.
A loss would mean the end of their tournament, but a victory could see them finish at the top of the group.
Gambia’s star player, Alieu Drammeh, who netted a hat-trick in their 5-1 win over Somalia, will be pivotal in their quest to secure a crucial win.
Tunisia will be hoping for continued standout performances from key players such as Fedi Tayechi, who scored a brace in their opening win, and goalkeeper Slim Bouaskar, whose heroics in the 0-0 draw against Senegal kept them in contention.
Path to the U17 World Cup
As the tournament nears its conclusion, the top two teams from each group will automatically progress to the quarterfinals.
However, the four best third-placed teams will also have a chance to secure their spot in the U17 World Cup play-offs, with two additional spots up for grabs.
This means that even teams finishing third in their group still have a shot at qualifying for the prestigious competition.
The U17 World Cup, scheduled for November in Qatar, is a highly anticipated event, and the road to qualification is still wide open for many teams.
Match Schedule – Group C (Monday, April 7 at 7:00 PM GMT)
- Senegal vs Somalia
- Tunisia vs Gambia
