Morocco made history on Saturday evening by claiming their maiden TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, defeating two-time champions Mali 4-2 on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw in the final at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia.
The hero of the night was goalkeeper Chouaib Belaarouch, who made two stunning saves in the shootout to secure a landmark victory for the young Atlas Lions.
It was a fitting end to a tournament where Morocco showcased composure, discipline, and defensive solidity conceding just one goal throughout.
The final was a tightly contested affair, with both teams producing moments of brilliance but failing to find the back of the net in regulation time. Mali appeared to have taken the lead in the first half through Soumaila Fané, but VAR ruled the goal out due to a handball in the build-up.
Morocco, led by standout performances from Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub, threatened from distance but were met with strong Malian resistance.
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The defensive duo of Driss Ait Cheikh and Moncef Zekri held firm under pressure as Mali’s attacking momentum grew in the second half.
When the match went to penalties, Morocco rose to the occasion. Belmokhtar, Amine Ouahabi, Zakari El Khalfioui, and Ziyad Baha all calmly slotted their kicks, while Belaarouch’s two saves from Issa Koné and Lamine Keita sealed the historic win and sent the home crowd into celebration.
Morocco captain with U-17 AFCON trophy. Photo Credit: X
Head coach Nabil Baha praised his team’s mental strength and tactical discipline after the match, marking a major step forward for Moroccan youth football.
The victory also secures Morocco’s place at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, alongside Mali and other African qualifiers.
Côte d’Ivoire Claim Third Place
One day earlier in Casablanca, Côte d’Ivoire secured the bronze medal at AFCON U-17 with a composed 5-2 penalty shootout victory over Burkina Faso, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at Stade Larbi Zaouli.
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The Young Elephants showed grit and resilience after falling behind in the first half. Halidou Diakité gave Burkina Faso the lead in the 28th minute, smashing home from the center of the box after a chaotic corner kick sequence.
The Stallions maintained control for much of the opening half with high-energy pressing and physical duels.
However, Côte d’Ivoire responded strongly in the second half. Boosted by a wave of substitutions, they drew level in the 84th minute through Alynho Haïdara, who tapped home after a well executed move from the left wing.
In the shootout, the Ivorians were clinical. Haïdara, Souhalio Bamba, Vaboué Doumbia, and Yannis Touali all converted, while Burkina Faso’s Mikael Coulibaly and Comi Ouattara had their efforts saved.
