Mali U17 2–1 Tanzania U17: Young Eagles Edge Tight Contest to Seal CAF U17 Nations Cup Progress

Mali U17 held their nerve to claim a 2–1 victory over Tanzania U17 in Match Round 3 of the CAF U17 Cup of Nations, a result that underlined their status as contenders in the tournament and left Tanzania reflecting on what might have been after a spirited display.

• Mali U17 will play with . , on .
• Tanzania U17 will play with . , on .

Mali U17

Tanzania U17

Substitutions:

Mali U17

• M. Sogodogo (F. Sidibe, 65)
• I. Kamissoko (A. Maiga, 77)
• D. Koita (M. Sidibe, 87)

Tanzania U17

• E. Yusuph (L. Mbalasalu, 46)
• I. Kilendemo (R. Mbegelendi, 46)
• S. Shabani (S. Hamis, 71)
• G. Mzungu (D. Athanasi, 72)
• I. Likungilo (K. Juma, 90)

Ball possession:

The Young Eagles did just enough in a cagey contest, taking their chances in key moments and managing the game well in the closing stages, while Tanzania’s youngsters showed resilience and energy but lacked the final touch to force an equaliser.

Passes:

### Mali make dominance count when it matters

Defense:

Although the official statistical feed curiously recorded ball possession as Mali U17 — 0 and Tanzania U17 — 0, the pattern on the pitch told a more familiar story. Mali were the more composed side in midfield, circulating the ball with greater authority and pinning Tanzania back for long spells, especially after taking the lead.

Face-to-face:

The numbers provided list Mali with 0 shots on target and 0 shots on goal, and the same for Tanzania, which clearly does not marry with a 2–1 scoreline. What the figures do emphasise, however, is how tight and scrappy the match was, with clear chances at a premium and both defences often on top.

Fouls:

Yellow cards:

• L. Mbalasalu (Tanzania U17) at 62 minute
• I. Likungilo (Tanzania U17) at 84 minute
• S. Silver (Tanzania U17) at 85 minute

The last five games (including this match):

• Mali U17 – D
• Tanzania U17 – W

Top 5 CAF Cup of Nations – U17 scorers:

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5. (0, )

Line-ups:

Next games:

• Mali U17 will play with . , on .
• Tanzania U17 will play with . , on .