Algeria’s hopes of winning the U15 World Cup ended in a penalty shootout defeat by Guinea, while Morocco, Senegal, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia and the RD Congo all advanced in Baku.
Karim Ziani’s side had been one of the standout teams during the group stage, winning four of their five matches. They beat Argentina 1-0, Suriname 5-0, Chinese Taipei 5-0 and Malawi 4-0, before drawing 3-3 with Oman.
That run left Algeria top of their group with 18 goals scored and only three conceded, securing a place in Niveau A – the only section offering a route to the world title.
However, their last-16 tie against an unbeaten Guinea side produced no goals in the 40 minutes of normal time. Guinea, known as the Syli U15, then prevailed in the shootout to send Algeria into the classification matches.
The result ended a campaign which had raised high expectations around Ziani’s young team. Their tournament is not over, though, with the players now set to compete in matches determining the final standings and an opportunity to learn from their first defeat.
Morocco maintain perfect record
Morocco took decisive control of the other all-African tie in the main draw, beating Cameroon 4-1.
The Lionceaux de l’Atlas had won all five of their group matches and continued their strong form after the competition moved into the knockout phase. Their attacking efficiency again proved important in a tournament played eight-a-side, with matches consisting of two 20-minute halves.
Morocco remain in contention to win Niveau A and become the first champions of the experimental format introduced by FIFA. Cameroon, like Algeria, will now compete in the matches used to establish the final ranking.
In Niveau B, Senegal produced another convincing performance by defeating Georgia 4-1. Abdoulaye Diallo was central to the result, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist as the Lionceaux followed up their excellent group-stage campaign.
Mali also advanced after a controlled 3-0 victory over El Salvador, while Cote d’Ivoire defeated Kyrgyzstan 4-0. The results kept the young Eagles and the Elephanteaux on course in their respective sections.
Tunisia recovered from a difficult finish to the group stage with a 4-0 win against Namibia. The Aiglons de Carthage had opened the tournament with three victories but then suffered defeats by El Salvador and Brazil.
The RD Congo completed the day’s African successes by beating Mauritius 4-1 to reach the last 16 of Niveau D. After losing their first three matches, the Leopardeaux had won their final two group games before confirming their revival.
All of the teams will continue playing until the Festival concludes, although Algeria’s hopes of competing for the title ended earlier than expected after their outstanding start.
