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U-17 World Cup Round of 16: All-African tests as Uganda face Burkina Faso, Morocco meet Mali

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Africa will have at least one quarter-finalist at Qatar 2025 after the Round of 16 threw up two compelling ties: Uganda vs Burkina Faso and Morocco vs Mali.

Both matches arrive on the back of late drama and shootout heroics that lit up the first knockout round.

Uganda, debutants at this tournament, continue a fairy-tale run against a Burkina Faso side buzzing from eliminating defending champions Germany.

Later, Morocco—fresh from a comeback and penalty shootout win over USA—collide with a Mali team that overpowered Zambia to reach the last 16.

Uganda v Burkina Faso

Kick-off: 15:30 Doha | 15:30 Kampala | 12:30 Ouagadougou

Uganda’s first World Cup has been built on organisation, belief and big moments. The East Africans stunned fancied Senegal in the Round of 32, striking early and then defending with discipline as goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi delivered a player-of-the-match display. Coach Brian Ssenyondo’s side press in bursts and lean on quick transitions; another fast start would help tilt a tight contest.

Burkina Faso arrive with momentum after a statement 1-0 victory over Germany sealed by a brilliant Mohamed Zongo strike. Oscar Barro’s team are compact between the lines and dangerous on turnovers, with the front unit happy to run at defenders from wider areas. The Burkinabè have tournament savvy and the physicality to test Uganda at set plays.

What to watch:

  • Uganda’s counter threat versus Burkina Faso’s athletic back line.

  • Goalkeepers in form—Waibi for Uganda; Burkina Faso’s defensive unit has protected their No.1 superbly.

  • Fine margins: both teams have shown comfort in one-goal games.

Morocco v Mali

Kick-off: 18:45 Doha | 16:45 Rabat | 15:45 Bamako

Morocco’s resilience took centre stage against USA: a late equaliser from Abdellah Ouazane forced penalties, where goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch produced two saves to send the Atlas Cubs through. Technically neat and patient in possession, Morocco will again look to control tempo and create overloads in wide areas.

Mali, consistent performers at youth level, advanced by overpowering Zambia with a strong second-half surge. Raymond Bomba and Seydou Dembélé have carried a sharp goal threat, supported by a midfield willing to shoot from distance. Expect Mali to raise the pace and test Morocco’s back line with direct runs and crosses.

What to watch:

  • Bellaarouch’s command of Morocco’s box against Mali’s aerial presence.

  • Midfield control: Morocco’s circulation vs Mali’s vertical power.

  • Set pieces—both sides have profited from dead-ball phases this tournament.

The stakes

Victory books a quarter-final berth and sustains Africa’s strong showing at Qatar 2025. With knockout ties already delivering late goals and shootout drama, both matches feel primed for fine margins—and potentially another nervy finish.