Women's U-17 World Cup: Five players in the spotlight after the first stage of the qualifiers

The first phase of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2025 qualifiers came to a close on Sunday. DR Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Algeria, Uganda and Côte d'Ivoire advanced to the next stage.

CAFOnline looks back at the 5 players who marked this first stage with their talent.

UGANDA: AGNES NABUKENYA
Exemplary captain of the Ugandan national team, Agnes Nabukenya brilliantly embodied her role as a leader on the field.
In the 10-0 win over Namibia, Nabukenya showed his talent and determination by scoring an impressive six goals. This outstanding performance not only highlighted her efficiency in front of goal, but also her ability to galvanize her teammates in a game with a lot at stake.
A true leader, she guided her team with a mix of technique, power and precision, imposing a pace that the Namibians could not keep up.
With such a performance, Nabukenya asserted herself as a key player in Uganda's ambitions for these qualifiers.

CAMEROON: NTSONGO NKOUSSA
Thanks to the brilliant performance of Ntsongo Nkoussa, Cameroon booked their place in the second round of the U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers with a 1-0 win over Egypt.
A true pillar of the team, Nkoussa played a key role in this decisive victory, highlighting his many qualities. With an excellent vision of the game and remarkable tactical intelligence, she was able to orchestrate the midfield while providing valuable defensive stability.
Her ability to win the ball back, distribute precise passes and create attacking opportunities constantly put the opponent under pressure.
This technical mastery, combined with his composure in crucial moments, was decisive in making the difference in such a hard-fought match.
A natural leader and versatile player, Nkoussa embodies the promising future of Cameroonian women's football and promises to be a major asset for the rest of the qualifiers.

ALGERIA: INÈS YAHIAOUI
Algeria finished this first knockout phase brilliantly without conceding a single goal, and this defensive prowess is largely attributed to goalkeeper, Inès Yahiaoui.
True to her reputation as a solid and focused keeper, Yahiaoui showed incredible control and unparalleled responsiveness throughout the matches.
Her authority in the air against Tunisian attackers, her sharp reflexes and her decisive saves were essential to keep his team invincible. In key moments of the match, she was able to repel the opponents' attacks with calm and determination, giving her team a solid base to build their attacks.
Thanks to her leadership and unwavering confidence, Yahiaoui has not only preserved the Algerian goal, but she has also inspired her teammates to evolve with more serenity and cohesion.

SOUTH AFRICA: NOMFUNDO NZUZA
Nomfundo Nzuza made her mark in the second leg of the U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers by scoring a decisive hat-trick against Gabon.
This milestone moment confirmed her status as a key player. Nzuza combines technique, power and game intelligence, qualities that allow her to stand out in a high-level tournament.
In this match, she demonstrated a great ability to position herself in dangerous areas and seize opportunities with a clinical finish. Her first goal, scored with a precise shot from the edge of the box, paved the way for an impressive performance. The second was the result of her ability to take advantage of a through ball, finding herself alone in front of the goalkeeper and deceiving her with composure.
Finally, her third goal underlined his world-class presence, with a well-placed header from a perfect cross.
This hat-trick is just the tip of the iceberg for Nzuza, who has immense potential.

IVORY COAST: REINE ESTHER KOUAMÉ
Her goal on home soil in Marcory was decisive in helping the Little Elephants break out of Senegal's trap and advance to the second round of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers.
Reine Esther Kouamé shows impressive maturity and technical mastery beyond her years. This decisive goal illustrates not only her sense of timing and calmness in crucial moments, but also his exceptional talent for playing in high-stakes matches.
Thanks to her influence on the field, Kouamé reminds us at every match that she is a future great of the discipline, and her evolution will undoubtedly be closely followed in the years to come.