Mali defeats Guinea to reach WAFU-A U17 final and secure AFCON qualification

Mali defeated Guinea 2-1 on Wednesday night in Bamako to reach the WAFU-A U17 final and qualify for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The young Aiglonnets fought back from an early setback to earn a hard-fought victory at the Mamadou Konaté Stadium.

Guinea took the lead in the opening minutes, forcing Mali to respond under pressure. The hosts regrouped quickly, showing composure and energy to level the score before halftime.

After the break, both sides created chances in a tense and competitive contest. Mali pushed higher up the pitch and dominated possession as the minutes passed.

Their persistence paid off when Ismaël Kamissoko scored late in the game, completing the comeback and securing a place in the final.

The victory marked Mali’s return to the U17 AFCON for the first time since 2019. It also underlined the nation’s growing influence in youth football across the region.

The Aiglonnets’ determination and character shone through, particularly after falling behind early in front of an energetic crowd in Bamako.

Senegal, who earned a convincing 4-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in the other semi-final, had already sealed their AFCON qualification.

The Lion Cubs now prepare to face Mali in Saturday’s final at the Mamadou Konaté Stadium. The match promises to be an intense battle between two regional powerhouses.

Senegal will aim to defend their title and chase a historic third consecutive regional triumph.

Mali, on the other hand, will look to reclaim regional glory and confirm their resurgence in youth competitions.

Both teams enter the final with confidence after strong campaigns and solid performances throughout the tournament.

Meanwhile, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau remain in contention for the third and final qualification spot.

The two sides will meet in the third-place match, with victory securing a ticket to the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The clash offers one last chance for redemption after their semi-final defeats.

The WAFU-A U17 competition has once again highlighted the impressive level of football development in West Africa.

Young players from Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau have displayed exceptional talent, discipline, and resilience throughout the tournament.

For Mali, Wednesday’s win carried both emotional and sporting significance.

The team celebrated not only a place in the final but also a long-awaited return to the continental stage.

The players and coaching staff can now look ahead with optimism as they prepare to challenge Senegal for regional supremacy.