By Victor Kanayo
The stage is set for the quarter-finals of the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, following the conclusion of the group phase in Morocco.
With eight of the continent’s brightest youth sides now through to the knockouts — and earning a spot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, attention turns to four high-stakes matches that will decide who advances to the semi-finals.
Burkina Faso emerged as one of the standout performers of the group stage, finishing with a perfect record of three wins from three.
The Baby Stallions will launch the quarter-final action on Thursday, April 10, when they meet Southern African challengers Zambia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Later that evening, hosts Morocco—buoyed by home support and a dominant 5-0 win over Uganda—will take on a resilient South African side in Mohammedia.
The North Africans will look to maintain momentum, but the Amajimbos, who impressed with attacking flair in the group stage, are eyeing a major upset.
On Friday, April 11, Tunisia and Mali go head-to-head in El Jadida in a clash of tactically disciplined teams.
Both sides have shown solid defensive organisation, and the match could hinge on a moment of individual brilliance.
The final fixture of the round promises fireworks as Côte d’Ivoire, the tournament’s most prolific attacking side, take on defending champions Senegal in Berrechid.
