The semi-finals are now here at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Algeria as the quarter-final line-up was completed after Sunday’s conclusion of the group phase on Sunday.
It is already a fact that a new champion will be crowned after holders Cameroon crashed out at the group phase, with the Indomitable Cubs finishing bottom of Group C with no point.
They were slightly edged off the second best-placed number three team by South Africa on account of goals scored.
Focus now shifts to the last eight and what makes the quarter-final duels more exciting is the fact that winners will be assured of earning a ticket to this year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
The biggest fixture in the last eight will be in Constantine on Wednesday, when hosts Algeria take on Morocco in what is anticipated to be a closely-contested North African derby.
Algeria finished second in Group A while Morocco topped Group B, which was based in Constantine.
The first of the four quarter-final fixtures will however be at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
There, Senegal who topped Group A with a 100 percent record will take on South Africa who were one of the best two third-placed teams.
On Thursday, Annaba will play host to the third quarter-final fixture where two-time champions Mali continue their hunt for a third title.
That is when they take on Congo, the other of the best two third-placed teams.
Mali had a perfect record in Group C where they topped with a maximum two wins.
In Algiers, the last quarter-final duel features Group B runners-up Nigeria against their fellow second-placed finishers from Group C, Burkina Faso.
Quarter-Final fixtures
Wednesday
Senegal vs South Africa —- Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers, 1700 hours local time
Morocco vs Algeria —- Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium, Constantine, 2000 hours local time
Thursday
Mali vs Congo —- 19 May 1956 Stadium, Annaba, 1700 hours local time
Nigeria vs Burkina Faso —- Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers, 2000 hours local time
Semi Finals —– May 14
QF1 winners vs QF4 winners – Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium, Constantine, 1700 hours local time
QF2 winners vs QF3 winners – 19 May 1956 Stadium, Annaba, 2000 hours local time
(NAN)
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