WAFU-A U17: Mali poised for semi-final spot in Championship

Mali stand just one result away from booking their place in the semi-finals of the WAFU-A U17 Championship, as they prepare to face Gambia in a decisive Group A clash on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The encounter, set for 4 p.m. at the Mamadou Konaté Stadium, comes as part of the final round of group-stage matches.

Simultaneously, Guinea-Bissau will meet Liberia at the Ouezzin Coulibaly Stadium in another fixture that could reshape the standings.

With four points and a goal difference of +6, Mali currently top Group A, level on points with Guinea-Bissau but ahead on goal difference.

The young Aiglonnets need only a draw to guarantee a place in the last four, but a victory would secure first position outright and underline their dominance in the group.

For coach Demba Mamadou Traoré and his players, the objective is clear — to maintain their unbeaten record and confirm their status as one of the favourites for the title.

We know what is at stake, Traoré is reported to have told local media. We have prepared to win, not to calculate. Every match is a step closer to our goal.

Gambia, on the other hand, face a difficult challenge but remain capable of springing an upset.

Having shown flashes of promise earlier in the competition, they will look to disrupt Mali’s rhythm and keep their faint qualification hopes alive.

Elsewhere, Guinea-Bissau — tied on points with Mali but with a lower goal difference (+2) — must not only win against Liberia but also hope the group leaders stumble in Bamako.

Any victory for Guinea-Bissau combined with a draw or defeat for Mali would see them leapfrog to the top of the standings.

The calculations are straightforward but leave no room for error.

If Mali draw and Guinea-Bissau triumph, the latter will move into first place, relegating the Aiglonnets to second.

However, Traoré’s side are determined to avoid such complications by taking full control of their fate through an assertive performance against Gambia.

As the group phase reaches its climax, anticipation is mounting across Bamako.

The stakes are high — a semi-final place and the opportunity to edge closer to qualification for the continental U17 championship.

For Mali, a team brimming with talent and ambition, the mission is simple: finish the job and march on.

Tags: Mali, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, WAFU-A U17, Demba Mamadou Traoré, Youth Football, Africa