By McGeorge Mbare
The battle for the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations quarter final spots are underway with four teams having already secured their quarterfinal spot.
In a notable results, South Afrca’s Amajimbos suffered a 2-0 defeat against Burkina Faso in their final group stages match. Despite their loss, Amajimbos have already secured their quarterfinal spot as group B runners ups alongside Burkina Faso who finished first and unbeaten in their group stage.
Fellow Southern Africans, Zambia secured a 2-1 victory against Uganda in Group A. The young Chipolopolo finished as runners-up with 7 points, behind the hosts Morocco, who also had 7 points. However, the Young Atlas Lions took first place ahead of Zambia due to a superior goal difference.
Zambia’s sensation Billy Daka, who came on as a substitute, scored the winning goal in the 86th minute, having previously missed a penalty in the 72nd minute.
In another fixture, Mali will battle Ivory Coast in group D today. Meanwhile Angola and Central Africa Republic will lock horns at 5pm today.
Senegal will face Somalia in their last group match while Gambia will battle against Tunisia as they fight to secure a quarterfinal spot.
The top 10 teams in this competition are set to qualify for the U17 World Cup in Qatar. South Africa, Morocco, Burkina Faso and Zambia are the four teams that have already booked their place in the prestigious World Cup.