In Group D on Tuesday evening Côte d’Ivoire put six goals past the Central African Republic, who managed to respond with just one goal, resulting in a commanding 6-1 victory for Côte d’Ivoire CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Alynho Haidara was the standout player on Tuesday, scoring an impressive four goals and earning the Man of the Match award. The former champions, aiming to follow in the footsteps of their seniors who won Africa’s most prestigious trophy last year, wasted no time in taking the lead.
Haidara opened the scoring in the 4th minute and was back on the scoresheet in the 13th minute, securing a two-goal cushion. He completed his hat trick in the 41st minute.
The Central African Republic pulled one back just before halftime, with Anan Otto scoring his first goal of the tournament in the 45th minute. However, returning from the break, the former champions continued to dominate, with Haidara capping off his exceptional performance by scoring his fourth goal in the 55th minute.
Mobio Franck and Yannis Touali also contributed with late strikes, rounding off an impressive performance in their opening match of the title chase.
Côte d’Ivoire’s commanding victory puts them at the top of Group D, with Mali in second after defeating Angola, followed by Angola and the Central African Republic. The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations continues on Wednesday, highlighting top youth football from Africa.
