TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON – Quarter-finals: Tunisian defence faces Malian Firepower
Scraped through at the last minute, Tunisia prepares to take on Mali this Friday in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. It’s a clash between the tournament’s best defence and one of the pre-tournament favourites.
They were not supposed to be here. Finishing third in their UNAF qualifying group—one point behind Morocco and two behind Egypt—Tunisia were eventually given a reprieve to compete in the U17 AFCON. And now, they find themselves just 90 minutes—or more—away from a continental semi-final.
Up against them stands Mali, a more experienced side, who defeated Angola (2-1) in their opening match, but were stunned by Côte d’Ivoire (4-2) in their final group game.
“It’s a quarter final. Two great footballing nations. And a match that must be played at full throttle,” sums up Tunisia’s coach Mohamed Amine Naffati, with a calm demeanour.
Ironclad Defence Fuels Hope for an Upset
Tunisia has conceded only one goal in the group stage—and that was from a penalty. Organised, compact, and highly disciplined, the North African side approaches the match with no fear.
“We’re outsiders, but we’ve got potential. And we’ve already shown that,” insists Naffati.
Captain Khalil Daoues echoes the sentiment: “This match is 50-50. We’re focused, and we know it’ll come down to fine margins.”
Confidence was boosted after their do-or-die win over Gambia (2-1). Since then, the mood in the Tunisian camp has been serious but relaxed.
Mali Aiming for Redemption
On the Malian side, the defeat against Côte d’Ivoire left its mark—but not cracks.
“We’ve moved on,” says head coach Adama Diefla Diallo bluntly. This is a different game. It’s the start of a new competition.”
Semi-finalists in the last edition, Mali is aiming to establish itself at the top of this age group. Having lost to the Ivorians on the finest of margins, the Aiglonnets know they’ll need patience and creativity to break down Tunisia’s wall.
“They have the best defence in the tournament. But we’ve got our own weapons. At this level, winning is all that matters—however you do it,” adds Diallo.
Armour-Clad Duel
This quarter-final promises to be as much a tactical battle as a physical one. On one side, Tunisia—who have nothing to lose, defend as a unit, and break quickly.
On the other, a skilful Mali side driven by individual talents like playmaker Seydou Dembélé, who is under close watch.
“It’s not just about a number 10,” Naffati points out. “It’s about the whole team. But we’re ready too.”
Tunisia want to shake up the pecking order; Mali aim to cement their status. Between caution and ambition, this quarter-final is unpredictable.
