At the youth (U17) tournament, Sierra Leone secured their top position in Group A following a commanding win against Mauritania (50:0). Sierra Leone have four points and are through to the semi-final, while Mauritania and Cape Verde, whose meeting is scheduled for 14:00 (local time) on Friday, have zero points.

Three matches of the youth teams and four encounters of the junior sides took place on the second day of the Women's IHF Trophy Zone 2 Africa in Bamako, Mali, and three sides booked their semi-final tickets. 

In Group B, Guinea-Bissau beat home side Mali in a tight match (20:18). Guinea-Bissau and Guinea are both on two points, and the winner of their match on Friday at 16:00 will finish top of the group and reach the semi-final. Even a draw will be enough for Guinea, as they have a better goal difference.

In Group C, Morocco defeated Gambia 30:14 and now have just as many points as Senegal, two. However, Senegal face Gambia on day three at 18:00, and even a draw will secure their top position. 
In Group A of the junior (U19) competition, Senegal claimed their second straight victory, beating Sierra Leone 56:17, while Morocco had the upper hand against Mauritania (44:13). 

Senegal now have four points and can be certain of their semi-final spot before their match with last-placed Mauritania at 14:00 on Friday. And at 12:00, Morocco and Sierra Leone, who are level on two points, will fight for the second place. 

In Group B, Guinea proved too strong for Cape Verde (45:22), and home side Mali beat Guinea-Bissau 38:29. With four points, Guinea are through to the semi-final, and on Friday, they play Guinea-Bissau in their last group match, starting at 16:00.

And two hours later, Cape Verde and Mali, who are both on two points, will fight for the second position in a direct duel. 

You can watch the games here.

Photo: Sierra Leone Handball Association SLHA