Mali’s U17 national team has cleared a significant hurdle ahead of the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, with all players successfully passing mandatory magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests.
The examinations, conducted to verify age compliance, confirmed that every member of the squad meets the eligibility criteria for the tournament.
This outcome is a boost for Malian football, particularly at a time when age-related controversies continue to be a point of debate in African youth competitions.
A Key Step for Tournament Integrity
MRI testing has become a critical tool in ensuring fair play in youth football, helping to determine the bone age of players and prevent age fraud.
By passing the tests without issue, Mali reinforces its commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport.
With this administrative requirement now behind them, the Aiglonnets can focus entirely on their preparations for the continental championship.
Their successful qualification for the tournament, combined with this latest validation, positions them as a team to watch when the U17 AFCON kicks off in Morocco.
