Mali lead Group C challenge at U17 Africa Cup of Nations

2025 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations Group C will feature a competitive mix of teams, with Mali, Angola, Tanzania and Mozambique all competing for qualification to the knockout stages.

Mali enter the group as clear favourites based on their history and performances in previous editions of the tournament, while the other three nations are expected to compete closely for the remaining qualifying place.

With only two teams progressing from the group, the margin for error is expected to be extremely small throughout the opening round of matches.

Mali are the most experienced side in Group C, making their 10th appearance at the competition after previous participations in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2023 and 2025.

They also boast the strongest record among the four teams, having won the tournament twice in 2015 and 2017.

Their consistent presence at this level has made them one of the most successful youth football nations on the continent.

Angola will take part in the competition for the fifth time, having previously appeared in 1997, 1999, 2017, 2019 and now 2025.

The Angolan side recorded their best performance in 2019 when they finished in third place, and they will be hoping to challenge for qualification once again this year.

Tanzania are making only their third appearance at the tournament after participating in 2017, 2019 and 2025.

Their best showing has been limited to group stage participation, but the team will be aiming to improve on that record in this edition.

Mozambique complete the group and are returning to the competition for just the second time, following previous appearances in 1995 and 2001.

Like Tanzania, they have yet to progress beyond the group stage, but will be looking to change that in this tournament.

The schedule for Group C has now been confirmed, with matches set to take place across three matchdays in May.

The opening fixtures will be played on Thursday, 14 May.

Mali will begin their campaign against Angola at 1:00 PM GMT, while Tanzania will face Mozambique at 4:00 PM GMT.

The second round of matches will take place on Sunday, 17 May.

Angola will meet Tanzania at 1:00 PM GMT, while Mozambique take on Mali at 7:00 PM GMT.

The final round of group matches is scheduled for Wednesday, 20 May.

Mali will play Tanzania at 4:00 PM GMT, while Angola will face Mozambique at the same time.

The closing fixtures could prove decisive in determining which teams advance, particularly if the group remains closely contested.

Mali’s encounter with Mozambique is expected to be one of the standout matches of the group, given the contrast in experience between the two sides.

Angola and Tanzania will also see their meeting as a key opportunity to strengthen their chances of progressing.

Mozambique, meanwhile, will be aiming to use their match against Angola as a chance to keep their qualification hopes alive heading into the final day.

With only two qualification places available, Group C is expected to be highly competitive from the opening whistle to the final round of matches.

CAN U17: Le Mali déjà arrivé au Maroc va disputer deux matchs amicaux.
Ce sera face à l’Ouganda le jeudi 7 mai et au Ghana le 9 mai. pic.twitter.com/GMUNTaWoqs

— Drissa Niono (@drissaniono) May 6, 2026

Mali’s experience and previous success make them favourites, but the remaining teams will believe they have an opportunity to challenge if they can deliver consistent performances.

The group therefore promises a tightly contested battle as the U17 Africa Cup of Nations gets under way.