Day: May 24, 2026

Tanzania beat Algeria to reach CAF U17 AFCON semis

Tanzania beat Algeria to reach CAF U17 AFCON semis

Tanzania advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after beating Algeria 4-3 on penalties in a thrilling 3-3 quarter-final draw on Sunday.

Algeria started strong, with Valmy scoring in the 4th minute. Tanzania responded with Athanasis equalising in the 25th minute. Valmy scored again before halftime, making it 2-1, but Mbalasalu struck back for Tanzania in stoppage time, ending the half at 2-2.

In the second half, Athanasis scored to give Tanzania a 3-2 lead, but Benderamdane equalised for Algeria in the 65th minute. The score remained tied, leading to a penalty shootout where Tanzania emerged victorious 4-3.

This win confirms Tanzania’s status as a surprise contender in the tournament. They topped Group C and now await their semi-final opponent as they aim for a historic continental title.

Match details:

– Tanzania 3 (4-3 on penalties) 3 Algeria

– Scorers: Dismas Athanasis (25’, 61’), Luqman Mbalasalu (45+8’); Muhammad Valmy (4’, 40’), Noam Benderamdane (65’)

Morocco edge past Cameroon to reach CAF U-17 AFCON semi-finals

Morocco edge past Cameroon to reach CAF U-17 AFCON semi-finals

Morocco secured a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, thanks to a goal from Mohamed Habib Zinbi in the 17th minute.

This win marks Morocco’s third consecutive semi-final appearance, where they will face either Senegal or Mali on Thursday.

Despite not playing as strongly as in the group stage, Morocco’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi making key saves, particularly against Cameroon’s Arnold Massokon.

Cameroon struggled to equalize in the second half, with several chances either going wide or being blocked. Coach Tiago Lima Pereira lauded his team’s maturity in maintaining their lead.

For Cameroon, this loss was disappointing after bouncing back from an initial defeat against Côte d’Ivoire to reach the knockout stage. While they created opportunities, their failures in the final moments cost them.

The win showed that Morocco can adapt their game style when needed. After finishing Group A with seven points, they demonstrated they can endure pressure and secure a win.

The Atlas Cubs are now just one match away from the final, with the chance to lift the trophy on home soil still alive.