TotalEnergies U17 AFCON: Tanzania cruise into quarter-finals and World Cup with dominant Angola victory

Sunday marked the end of Matchday 2 at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. The day got off to a flying start with Tanzania’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Angola. Senegal later edged Ghana, Algeria defeated South Africa 2-0, while Mozambique and Mali played out a 1-1 draw. 

Mozambique 1-1 Mali

Scorers: Diego Pelembe (5’) / Youssif Sylla (65’)

Mozambique looked set for a famous victory against Mali, but a moment of brilliance from Youssif Sylla rescued a point for the Young Eagles in a lively and hard-fought encounter.

The Mambas made the perfect start, striking after just five minutes. Following a well-worked attacking move, Diego Pelembe reacted quickest to a loose ball at the edge of the box and fired a precise effort past the Malian goalkeeper.

The early goal lifted Mozambique, who pressed aggressively and moved the ball confidently against a Mali side struggling to settle into the game.

Despite the setback, Mali gradually took control of possession and began creating sustained pressure. The Young Eagles dominated midfield and produced a series of attacking moves, but the organised Mozambican defence stood firm for more than an hour.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Mali pushing forward and Mozambique defending resolutely. Just as the Mambas appeared on course for a valuable victory, Youssif Sylla produced a stunning equaliser in the 65th minute. The Malian midfielder unleashed a powerful long-range strike that flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

 

 

Ghana 0-1 Senegal

Scorer: Ibrahima Dione (59’)

Senegal claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over Ghana in one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 2, thanks to a second-half goal from Ibrahima Dione.

The win puts the Young Lions firmly back in contention for qualification.

Ghana looked to dominate possession with their technical and attacking style, while Senegal relied on collective organisation and quick transitions going forward.

 

The first half remained tightly contested. Ghana enjoyed more control of the ball but struggled to break down a disciplined Senegalese defence. Senegal, meanwhile, stayed patient and waited for their opportunity despite sustained pressure.

The decisive moment arrived in the 59th minute when Ibrahima Dione finished off a well-constructed move to hand Senegal the lead.

Ghana pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Senegal managed their advantage expertly. The Young Lions held firm until the final whistle to secure a vital three points.

 

South Africa 0-2 Algeria

Scorers: Yacine Abed (41’, 85’)

After their 2-2 draw against Ghana, Algeria bounced back in style with a valuable 2-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday. Inspired by a brace from Yacine Abed, the Young Fennecs reignited their qualification hopes.

In a closely contested encounter, South Africa started brightly with more possession and several promising attacks down the flanks. Algeria, however, remained tactically disciplined, absorbed the pressure well and gradually grew into the game. Strong defensively, the North Africans looked dangerous on quick counter-attacks.

In the 41st minute, Yacine Abed capitalised on space in the South African defence to beat the goalkeeper and give Algeria the lead.

Despite creating a few openings, Amajimbos lacked precision in front of goal.

As South Africa searched for a late comeback, Yacine Abed struck again in the 85th minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack to complete his brace and seal Algeria’s victory.

 

Angola 0-3 Tanzania

Scorers: Razaki Mgbeglendi (28’), Hasan Kizinga (52’), Hussen Saddam (67’)

Two matches, two dominant performances. Tanzania have emerged as one of the standout teams of the tournament after beating Angola 3-0 on Sunday, having already recorded the same scoreline against Mozambique in their opening game.

Against an Angolan side expected to offer a tougher challenge, Tanzania impressed once again. After an evenly balanced start, they stepped up the tempo and opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Razaki Mgbeglendi, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to put his side ahead.

The Tanzanians raised the intensity after the interval, with Hasan Kizinga doubling the lead in the 52nd minute following a flowing team move. Hussen Saddam then completed the dominant display in the 67th minute with a direct free-kick.

Tanzania have now scored six goals without conceding.

With back-to-back victories, Tanzania have officially secured qualification for both the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.