Morocco finish 13th as Africa’s final U15 World Cup standings are confirmed

The U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan reaches its conclusion on Friday, with Spain and Czech Republic set to contest the Division A final and the world title. Several African teams have already secured their final positions in the overall standings.

The tournament began with teams placed into six divisions according to their level. It then continued with knockout matches and a series of classification games, allowing every side to be ranked through to the final positions after being eliminated from the title race.

Among the African teams competing in Division A, Guinea finished sixth after losing 4-2 to Brazil. Ghana claimed seventh place after beating Colombia 4-0.

Morocco ended the tournament in 13th position overall. The Atlas Lion Cubs had made a perfect start to the group stage, but their progress was checked by a 1-0 defeat by Paraguay. They then lost 3-0 to Mexico before recovering with victories over Venezuela, 4-3, and Egypt, 3-1.

Cameroon, who also qualified for Division A after beating Senegal 3-0 in the group stage, finished 23rd. The Lion Cubs suffered a heavy 9-2 defeat by Russia but closed their campaign with a 2-0 win against Australia.

Algeria endured a more disappointing tournament, finishing 28th. After a successful opening phase, the young Fennecs struggled in their subsequent matches, ending with a 4-1 defeat by Northern Ireland.

Senegal finish highest in Division B

Senegal finished 36th overall after missing out on the Division B final against Zambia, losing 4-3. They were then beaten on penalties by Argentina after a 1-1 draw, with Argentina winning the shootout 5-4. Madagascar followed in 37th place.

Cote d’Ivoire secured 41st position with a 2-1 victory over South Sudan in their final classification match. The Elephants had previously lost 2-1 to Argentina before responding with a winning finish.

Mali ended the competition in 45th place after a convincing 5-1 victory over Costa Rica. DR Congo were ranked 101st following their 6-4 win against Lithuania.

Tunisia finished 66th after losing 3-0 to Belarus in the Division C final. Other African teams still have the opportunity to improve their final positions, with Zambia due to face Portugal for 33rd place in Division B.

Central African Republic won the Division E final, beating Bangladesh 4-1 to finish 129th overall.

The world title will be decided on Friday evening when Spain meet Czech Republic in the Division A final.