Mali vs Morocco U17 World Cup 2025: Round of 16 Review

Mali U-17 and Morocco U-17 faced each other in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup on 18th November. The clash pitted two African powerhouses against each other, underlining the strength and ambition of youth football on the continent.

Morocco defeats Mali

In what was a thrilling Round of 16 clash at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Morocco edged out Mali 3–2 to reach the quarter-finals. Ziyad Baha broke the deadlock for Morocco in the 29th minute with a powerful header.

Mali were not about to give up and just before halftime, they equalised via a penalty by Ndjicoura Bomba, awarded after a VAR review. In added time of the first half, Ismail El Aoud restored Morocco’s lead from a well-placed free-kick.

El Aoud struck again in the 66th minute, putting the Atlas Cubs firmly in control which dented Mali's hopes of wining this one.

Mali still had some fight left in them and they pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Tièmoko Berthe, but the comeback fell just short.

• Earlier in 2025, Morocco and Mali met in the U-17 African Cup of Nations final, where Morocco emerged as champions after a tense penalty shoot-out.

• That continental clash added extra spice to this World Cup tie, eventually Morocco asserted their dominance, and Mali will have to wait longer to get their revenge.

Quarter Finals

The win marked Morocco’s first U-17 World Cup quarter-final berth since 2013. They will face off against the Samba boys Brazil on the 21st of November 2025.

Mali’s Road to the Round of 16

• Mali secured their spot in this knockout stage with a 3–1 win over Zambia, thanks to a decisive second-half goal from Seydou Dembélé, plus a late clincher by Lamine Keita.

• Their performance has been impressive and composed, with clinical finishing and smart use of set-pieces helping them grow into the tournament. They defeated Saudi Arabia and New Zealand in the group stage matches.

Morocco’s Path to the Round of 16

• Morocco qualified for the Round of 32 in spectacular fashion — after two disappointing group results, they unleashed a record-breaking 16–0 win over New Caledonia to secure their spot in the round of 32 as one of the best third placed teams

• This huge win not only boosted their goal difference but demonstrated their attacking firepower when it mattered most.

• In the las round, they edged out USA 4-3 on penalties after the matches ended in a 1-1 draw.