Rabat, Morocco – Somalia’s national under-17 football team has officially exited the 2025 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations after a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal in their final Group C match on Monday night in El Jadida, Morocco.

Senegal’s win secured their spot in the quarterfinals and confirmed their qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year, where they will represent Africa on the global stage.

Despite a strong defensive showing in the first half, Somalia conceded a penalty in the 29th minute which was converted by Ibrahima Sow. The second goal came during stoppage time, with El Hadji Ibrahim Sow finding the back of the net.

Somalia finished bottom of Group C with zero points, having scored only one goal and conceded ten across three matches. Senegal topped the group, while Tunisia finished second — both qualifying directly for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Gambia will play Uganda next Saturday to compete for one of the remaining two African spots in the global tournament.

Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations features national teams of players under 17. The 2025 edition is being hosted in Morocco from March 30 to April 19 and is now entering the knockout phase.