Morocco kicked off their TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in style, demolishing Uganda 5-0 in Sunday night’s opener at El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia.
Playing in front of an electrified home crowd, the young Lions of the Atlas wasted no time asserting dominance, scoring twice within the first ten minutes and never looking back.
Morocco struck early, with Ilies Belmokhtar finding the net just three minutes in. Driss Aït Chiekh doubled the advantage in the 8th minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Their relentless pressure earned them a 23rd-minute penalty after a VAR review, which Real Betis forward Ziyad Baha Abedlahadj confidently converted. Belmokhtar then capped off a stunning first-half display with his second goal, making it 4-0 before the break.
Despite trailing heavily, Uganda came out fighting in the second half. Simon Wanyama came closest to scoring, only to be denied by Moroccan goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch, who pulled off a series of impressive saves to keep his clean sheet intact.
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Uganda’s attacking push left them vulnerable at the back, and Morocco capitalized again in the 71st minute, Ziyad Baha pounced on a defensive mistake from Ashraf Lukyamuzi to complete the 5-0 rout.
Morocco will hope to host and win the U17 AFCON. Photo Credit: X
Three points and a massive goal difference advantage, they young Atlas lions sit comfortably at the top heading into match day 2.
Up Next
Today’s action sees Tanzania take on Southern African champions Zambia to wrap up the opening round of Group A fixtures.
Later in the afternoon, Casablanca’s Larbi Zaouli Stadium will host an exciting Group B clash between last edition’s bronze medallists, Burkina Faso, and two-time champions Cameroon.
The final fixture of the day at the same venue sees 2015 runners-up South Africa go head-to-head with 1997 champions Egypt in a thrilling North vs. South duel.
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Group C and D fixtures are set for Tuesday, April 1, with reigning U17 AFCON champions Senegal taking on The Gambia at the El Abdi Stadium. Meanwhile, Somalia, making only their second appearance at the finals, will face off against Tunisia.
In Group D, Mali who finished fourth in the last edition will battle tournament debutants Angola, while former champions Côte d’Ivoire aim for a strong start against the Central African Republic.
