Gambia out at Africa U17 Championship

Defending champions Gambia crashed out of the Africa U17 Championship in Rwanda after suffering a 4-1 defeat against Ivory Coast on Saturday.

Gambia needed a win in the game to keep alive their hopes of retaining the title but they fell behind on 15 minutes after Drissa Diarrassouba took advantage of a defensive slip-up.

The Ivorian doubled their lead just before the break when Evrard Kouassi fired home from the edge of the box.

Lionel Lago made it 3-0 in the 64th minutes before Adama Sabally restored some hope for the Gambians but Guy Stehpane Bedi strike sealed the win.

The Group B result means the Ivorians are through to the semi finals after finishing second in the standings.

Congo also sealed their place in the last four and finished top of group thanks to their 2-1 win over Mali.

The victories for the two sides on Saturday secured their places at the U17 World Cup to be held in Mexico later this year.

Burkina Faso, who finished top of Group A, will play Ivory Coast in the first semi final at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday.

Congo, who topped Group B, will take on hosts Rwanda in the other last four game at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Wednesday.