TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON: Morocco vs Mali
The curtain officially falls on the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, 19 April.
Morocco, the host nation seeking its very first title, and Mali, the undisputed benchmark in the category, already two-time champions. Two teams, two journeys, two visions of the game. And one trophy to decide it all.
Morocco, the Long-Awaited Moment
At home, in front of a crowd firmly behind them, Morocco no longer wants to just be a model host. It wants to be crowned champions. Finalists in 2023 against Senegal (2-1), Nabil Baha’s squad returned with a single goal: turn frustration into conquest. The path has been solid—sometimes laborious—but always under control.
Relying on a nearly impenetrable defensive line (just one goal conceded, against South Africa), the young Lions shine through their discipline and attention to detail. Just like their coach. “We’re here to win, but above all to respect our playing identity,” says a focused and clear-headed Nabil Baha.
Mali, Legacy in Motion
On the other side, Mali advances with quiet confidence—the kind that comes from experience. Champions in 2015 and 2017, finalists in 1997, the nation is no stranger to this stage. Adama Diefla Diallo, once a behind-the-scenes youth coach, now in the spotlight as head coach, didn’t need to reinvent the wheel—he simply carried on a legacy. For the past ten years, the “Aiglonnets” (Young Eagles) have been a cornerstone of African youth football.
As often, they reach the final with a style both explosive and structured. Aggressive in winning the ball back, vertical in transitions, precise in the final third: Mali plays fast, hard, and smart. Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané, elusive and commanding, set the pace. Goalkeeper Lamine Sinaba provides calm at the back. The team, as a unit, is impressive.
Two Philosophies, One Throne
On one side: control, patience, and collective intelligence. On the other: intensity, rapid transitions, and the ability to turn a game on its head in seconds. Two teams loyal to their roots, unwavering in their principles since the start of the tournament.
But it’s also a clash of trajectories: Morocco has never won this competition. Mali is aiming for a third star. A win that would cement its supremacy in the age group.