The Atlas Cubs of Morocco became U-17 AFCON Champions for the first time in their history on home soil. They defeated Mali on penalties after a thrilling goalless draw in the final at Al-Basheer Stadium in Mohammedia.
In search of continental glory, both sides took to the pitch. Mali dominated for most parts of the game and even had a goal ruled out in the first half, but the game remained deadlocked. With nothing to separate both sides at the full-time whistle, the match went straight to penalties. With glory, fame, and the highly coveted trophy on the line, the Moroccan youngsters kept their cool in the shootout to defeat their fierce rivals.
The Moroccans had goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch to thank as his penalty-saving heroics helped them see off the resilient Malian side. Ziyad Baha, Zakari El Khalfioui, and Amine Ouahabi all converted their penalties to give Morocco the lead in the shootout. Ilies Belmokhtar was handed spot kick duties for the decisive penalty and with all eyes on him, the young Belmokhtar opted for the artistic, burying a panenka beautifully to send the home side into raptures. Champions of the U-17 AFCON tournament! Heartbreak for Mali, Euphoria for Morocco.
Bellaarouch was deservedly named as the man of the match as he showed insane reflexes to deny Mali twice in the penalty shootout. He was an indomitable presence between the sticks for the Moroccan side that conceded just one goal throughout the tournament.
The win provided a satisfying end to Morocco’s long wait for continental glory in this age group, two years after their heartbreaking defeat to Senegal in the final. Their ultimate triumph was the perfect end to their unbeaten run in the tournament.
The Atlas Cubs dominated the tournament awards as Moroccan midfield maestro Abdellah Ouazane was named Player of the Tournament, goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and the Moroccan team coach Nabil Baha was honoured as Best Coach. Burkina Faso’s Ashsaraf Tapsoba & Côte d’Ivoire’s Alynho Haïdara were named as the joint Best Scorers of the tournament.
Morocco has become a force to be reckoned with on the global stage in recent years, serving as a source of pride to the African continent across different international tournaments. This Continental triumph highlights the incredible work carried out by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation at the grassroots level, dedicated to the development of national football across all age groups in the North African country.
