U-17 World Cup: Senegal win group; Morocco thump minnows

Senegal won their group while Morocco recovered from early defeats to put themselves in a decent position to advance to the knockout stages of the 2025 U-17 World Cup on Sunday. Meanwhile, South Africa advanced despite a defeat and Tunisia will have to wait and see how the other results turn out before learning if they will compete in the knockout stages.

The Senegalese team marched to a dominant 5-0 victory over United Arab Emirates to confirm top spot in Group C. A hat-trick from Bakary Sonko helped Les Lionceaux not only win, but boost their goal difference to move past Croatia after both teams ended with seven points.

Morocco had similar intentions on Sunday, needing a victory but also to boost their goal difference in order to remain in contention for a place in the Round of 32. A historic 16-0 victory over minnows New Caledonia leaves the North African side in strong contention to reach the knockout stages as one of the best third place teams.

There was no chance for Morocco to catch Japan and Portugal, who both defeated the U-17 African champions. But Sunday’s lopsided victory makes it a likely possibility that they will advance.

South Africa fell 1-3 to Italy on Sunday but Amajimbos’ place in the knockout stages is secure. Finishing with four points, they confirmed a second place finish thanks to the efforts of Bolivia, who played hosts Qatar to a 0-0 draw to leave the hosts’ hopes of advancement unlikely.

Tunisia will have to wait after Sunday’s 0-2 defeat to Belgium to finish up action in Group D. Finishing in third place on three points but with a goal difference of +3, Tunisia will have to follow the other results in the coming days but are in strong position to advance as one of the best third place teams.