Angola frustrate Mali in goalless Group C battle at TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON

Angola produced a disciplined defensive performance to hold former finalists Mali to a goalless draw in their opening Group C match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 on Thursday.

The tightly contested encounter saw Mali dominate large periods of the match and create the better chances, but Angola goalkeeper Gelson Dala delivered a series of outstanding saves to secure a valuable point for his side at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

Dala’s heroic display earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award after frustrating the Malian attack throughout the afternoon.

Mali, runners-up in the previous edition, started brightly and attempted to impose themselves through their fluid passing and attacking movement, but Angola remained organised defensively and difficult to break down.

The West Africans continued to push forward after the break, creating several dangerous openings as they searched for a breakthrough, but poor finishing combined with Angola’s resilient defending kept the score level.

Angola gradually grew in confidence as the match progressed and threatened occasionally on the counterattack, though clear-cut opportunities remained limited.

Despite Mali’s dominance in possession and territory, Angola’s defensive discipline and Dala’s commanding performance between the posts ensured the Southern Africans claimed an important point in a competitive Group C.

The result leaves both teams with one point ahead of their second group matches as the race for the quarter-finals and FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification places intensifies in Morocco.