Morocco have been topped champions of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for the primary time of their historical past after defeating two-time winners Mali 4-2 on penalties following a tense goalless attract Saturday’s remaining on the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia.
The hosts held their nerve within the shootout with goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui rising because the hero, saving two spot-kicks to ship the house followers into raptures after a tightly contested remaining between two of the event’s most constant sides.
The win ends Morocco’s lengthy watch for continental glory at this degree, simply two years after ending as runners-up to Senegal. For Mali, it was heartbreak of their fifth remaining look, regardless of dominating massive parts of the match.
Stalemate in common time
Neither aspect managed to discover a breakthrough in regulation time, though each had possibilities in an absorbing tactical contest.
Morocco’s Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub threatened from vary whereas Mali’s Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané have been full of life all through, however their remaining efforts lacked precision.
Mali thought that they had taken the lead halfway via the primary half via Fané, just for the purpose to be dominated out by VAR for a handball within the build-up.
The North Africans responded by tightening their traces, with central defenders Driss Ait Cheikh and Moncef Zekri repelling Mali’s aggressive transitions.
Regardless of late stress and a string of set-pieces from the West Africans, the impasse remained unbroken at full-time.
Penalty drama seals historic win
Within the shootout, Morocco transformed all 4 of their spot-kicks with confidence—Ziyad Baha, Zakari El Khalfioui, Amine Ouahabi and Ilies Belmokhtar all discovering the online.
Mali’s Issa Koné and Lamine Keita each noticed their efforts saved, handing the title to the jubilant hosts.
Coach Nabil Baha, who guided the younger Lions with self-discipline and defensive rigour all through the event, hailed his gamers’ composure. Morocco conceded only one purpose in all the competitors.
Mali, led by Adama Diefla Diallo, had hoped to safe a 3rd U-17 crown after lifting the trophy in 2015 and 2017. However their desires have been dashed by a well-organised and mentally resilient Moroccan aspect.
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