Ivory Coast and Senegal will meet in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash at the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with both teams aiming for a spot in the semi-finals.
The match, set to take place on Friday at 4 p.m. GMT, is poised to deliver an exciting contest between two of West Africa’s finest youth football teams.
This will be the first time in the history of the U17 AFCON that Ivory Coast and Senegal face each other at this stage of the competition, making the encounter all the more significant.
The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with Ivory Coast boasting the best attacking record in the tournament and Senegal possessing one of the strongest defences.
Ivory Coast enters the match as the top team in Group D, having scored an impressive 10 goals during the group stage.
The team’s attacking prowess has been led by Alynho Haidara, the tournament’s second-highest scorer with six goals, and Cédric Gobehi, the leader in assists with three.
The Ivorians are known for their attacking flair and creativity, making them one of the most exciting teams in the competition.
Their aim is to secure a historic fourth semi-final appearance, having reached this stage previously in 2005, 2011, and 2013.
They are undefeated in the tournament and have demonstrated strong form, including a solid record against other West African sides with five wins, three draws, and two losses.
In contrast, Senegal, who finished second in Group B behind Tunisia, have been exemplary in defence.
The Lion Cubs have yet to concede a single goal in the group stage, showcasing their resilience and tactical discipline.
Senegal has built a reputation for their solid defensive strategies, and despite scoring just three goals in the group stage, their ability to keep their opponents at bay has been a key strength.
The team remains undefeated in the U17 AFCON since 2019, extending an impressive unbeaten run to 10 matches.
The reigning champions of the 2023 edition are now aiming for a historic double.
The quarter-final match-up presents a fascinating contrast in playing styles: Ivory Coast’s high-scoring, attacking mentality against Senegal’s stoic, defensive approach.
The Ivorians average 2.5 goals per game against West African opponents, while Senegal has kept a clean sheet in their last two group-stage campaigns.
The stakes are high for both teams, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals and moving one step closer to the coveted continental title.
This encounter promises to be a derby of the highest quality, with two of the tournament’s strongest teams battling it out for a place in the final four.
