FIFA U-17 World Cup: Mali and Morocco Set for Epic Round of 16 Showdown
Mali and Morocco have qualified for the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, setting up a highly anticipated all-African clash that promises intensity, drama, and world-class youth football.
Mali booked their place with an impressive 3-1 win over Zambia, while Morocco advanced after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over the USA.
Mali Cruise Past Zambia to Reach Round of 16
In one of their strongest performances of the tournament so far, Mali U17 dominated Zambia with a blend of pace, power and precision. Seydou Dembélé orchestrated the breakthrough, delivering a superb set-piece for Raymond Bomba to head home.
Zambia equalised through Mapalo Simute, but Mali regained control late on. Dembélé struck again with a composed finish before Lamine Keita added a stoppage-time goal to seal the 3-1 victory.
The result confirms Mali as one of the top-performing African teams at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. After the match, Bomba boldly declared:
Mali is not here just to make up the numbers. We want to go for victory.
Morocco Survive Thriller to Knock Out USA
Morocco’s path to the knockout stage was far more dramatic. The USA U17 team took the lead early in the second half, but Morocco refused to give up. In the dying minutes of regulation time, Abdellah Ouazane produced a brilliant solo goal to force penalties.
Goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch then became Morocco’s hero, making two crucial saves in the shootout to send the Atlas Cubs through.
This result further cements Morocco’s status as one of the rising forces in global youth football, following their historic success at the U-17 AFCON earlier this year.
A Rematch Loaded with History: Mali vs Morocco U17
The Mali vs Morocco Round of 16 match is more than just a knockout game, it is a rematch of the 2025 U-17 AFCON final, where Morocco defeated Mali 4-2 on penalties. That continental showdown adds emotional weight and competitive fire to their World Cup meeting in Qatar.
Morocco aim to prove their dominance once again on a global stage.
Both teams feature exciting talents, strong tactical identities and a fearless approach to big matches, making this encounter a must-watch fixture for fans worldwide.
African Football Shining at Qatar 2025
With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, African nations are making headlines as nine out of the ten CAF representatives made it past the group stage to the round of 16.
Mali and Morocco’s qualification into the Round of 16 highlights the strength of African youth football, its advanced academies and its growing presence at FIFA tournaments.
Their showdown in Qatar is a powerful moment for the continent and a showcase of Africa’s next generation of stars.