The second day of Group A action at the WAFU A U17 qualifying tournament in Koulikoro on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, delivered excitement and drama.
In the first match at the Mamadou Diarra H Stadium, Gambia revived their qualification hopes with a commanding 4-0 win over Liberia.
The young Gambians dominated the game from start to finish, showing greater pace, precision, and control in all areas.
Liberia, struggling to find rhythm, failed to match Gambia’s attacking tempo and now exit the competition after consecutive defeats.
Gambia’s emphatic result brought life back to their campaign after a shaky start. Their sharpness in front of goal and defensive discipline restored belief ahead of their final group match, which will determine their fate in the tournament.
In the second fixture of the day, hosts Mali and Guinea-Bissau played out a fiercely contested 1-1 draw. Both sides fought with intensity and refused to give up control.
The game saw moments of brilliance from both teams, with Mali taking an early advantage before Guinea-Bissau equalised through a well-constructed team move late in the second half.
The encounter remained balanced throughout, with neither side managing to break the deadlock despite several close chances in the final minutes.
The result reflected the even contest between two disciplined and technically gifted squads.
With this draw, Mali maintained their position at the top of Group A with four points and a strong goal difference of +6. Guinea-Bissau matched their total on points but sit second with a goal difference of +2.
Gambia, with three points and a +2 difference, remain in contention heading into the decisive final round of group matches.
Liberia, still without a point, officially bowed out of the tournament but will play their last fixture against Guinea-Bissau. Although eliminated, the young Liberians will aim to end their campaign on a positive note and gain valuable experience for future competitions.
The group’s final day promises intense competition, as Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and Gambia battle for the two qualifying spots.
Each team now faces crucial tactical decisions, with small margins likely determining who advances to the next stage.
The Koulikoro crowd witnessed a day of passion, resilience, and youthful brilliance, capturing the essence of West African football development.
