The 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations delivered high drama on Saturday as defending champions Senegal bowed out of the tournament in heartbreaking fashion.

The Young Lions of Teranga were held to a goalless draw by Ivory Coast in a tense quarter-final encounter at the Berrechid Municipal Stadium. The match went to penalties, where the Young Elephants displayed nerves of steel, converting all five of their spot-kicks to clinch a 5-3 victory and send the champions packing.

Meanwhile, Mali edged Tunisia in a dramatic shootout after a 1-1 draw in their quarter-final clash at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida. The Young Eagles held their composure to triumph 10-9 in the marathon penalty decider, securing a hard-fought place in the semi-finals.

Looking ahead, Mali will face Burkina Faso in the first semi-final on 15 April at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off set for 18h00 CAT. Later that evening, hosts Morocco will take on Ivory Coast in the second semi-final at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, kicking off at 21h00 CAT.

The battle for the U17 crown intensifies, but for Senegal, the dream of a title defense ends here.