The third day of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) unfolds today, with intense battles in Groups A and B.
Key contenders including Morocco, South Africa, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso are all vying for crucial positions in the final group standings, with the quarter-finals in sight.
The day’s fixtures promise high stakes and drama.
Burkina Faso vs South Africa
Burkina Faso, having secured six points from their first two matches, is in a commanding position in Group B.
While they can afford to rotate their squad, the young Stallions will aim to finish top of the group to carry momentum into the quarter-finals.
Their impressive collective play will be tested as they seek to maintain their winning form.
South Africa, with four points, finds their fate in their own hands in El Jadida.
A draw will be enough to secure progression, but a defeat could spell disaster if Cameroon manages to defeat Egypt in the other match.
After a goalless draw with Cameroon, Bafana Bafana Juniors must remain disciplined and build on their early good form to advance.
Cameroon vs Egypt
Cameroon faces a do-or-die scenario in Casablanca.
With only one point from their first two matches, the Indomitable Lions must defeat Egypt and hope for a South African loss to have any chance of qualification.
Their last performance, despite a 0-0 draw, showed promise, but they will need a solid performance to pull off a dramatic qualification.
Egypt, on the other hand, has already been eliminated after two losses in the group (2-1 to Burkina Faso and 4-3 to South Africa).
However, they still have something to play for—third place in the group, which would secure a spot in the U17 World Cup playoffs.
A victory in this match is essential for the young Pharaohs to remain in the hunt.
Morocco vs Tanzania
Morocco will look to close out the group stage in style in front of their home fans.
Leading Group A with four points and boasting the best attack in the group, the Atlas Lions only need a draw to qualify.
However, they will undoubtedly go for a win to ensure top spot and avoid a more difficult quarter-final draw.
After an emphatic 5-0 victory over Uganda and a disciplined 0-0 draw with Zambia, Nabil Baha’s team seems to be hitting their stride.
For Tanzania, the match is a formality after two losses and no goals scored in the tournament.
The young Taifa Stars have already been eliminated but will aim to salvage some pride by producing a strong performance in their final match.
Uganda vs Zambia
The evening clash in Casablanca promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Zambia, with four points, can secure qualification with a draw.
Their disciplined defense and clinical finishing have impressed so far, but they will also be targeting first place in the group, depending on the result between Morocco and Tanzania.
Uganda, with just three points, must win to reach the quarter-finals.
After a difficult start against Morocco, the Ugandans bounced back with a 3-0 victory over Tanzania.
Their revitalized attack will face a stern test against Zambia’s sturdy defense in what promises to be a tactical battle between two teams with contrasting styles.
Match Schedule (GMT)
- Burkina Faso vs South Africa, 5:00 PM – Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca
- Cameroon vs Egypt, 5:00 PM – El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia
- Morocco vs Tanzania, 7:00 PM – El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia
- Uganda vs Zambia, 7:00 PM – Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca
With everything to play for in the final group games, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the group stages of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
