U-17 AFCON
Ahead of clash with Nigeria, ‘We are here to make our own history’, says Zambia’s Bakala
Despite this being only their second time at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, Zambia’s head coach Ian Bakala says they are not worried by an ‘underdog’ tag in a tough Group B that has Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa.
Zambia’s only other qualification was in 2015, and they didn’t make it past the group phase.
They had earned qualification for the 2021 edition that was to be staged in Morocco, but unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“History has to be broken. This is the time to take Zambia up and make our name stronger. We are here on a mission and the mission has to be complete. We might be the underdogs but we will show that we can also compete,” said the team’s head coach Ian Bakala.
His sentiments were shared by skipper Aron Phiri who says the fact that people refer to them as underdogs is not worrying.
“We do not let what people say come to our minds. We always try to talk to each other and try to lift each other up.
“We are here to compete and not just add numbers. We want to go very far. We want to be here until the last day. We are here to make history. We want to work hard and change what people are saying,” the confident Phiri stated.
Zambia opens its campaign against two-time champions Nigeria, a country that has qualified for the tournament a record 10 times.
Despite the gulf in pedigree between the two countries, Bakala says they have trained well and have improved tremendously in confidence, and the friendly match they played against Senegal after arriving in Algeria, winning 4-2 helped them to stay mentally ready for the challenge.
“Senegal plays almost the same kind of football like Nigeria and that is why it was important for us to play that friendly. It helped us a lot to prepare and to get the boys into the mood and tempo we require. We saw the spirit of the team and that is really encouraging for us,” said the tactician.
He added; “We have planned well for the game. We are looking forward to a very tough game, but as a team we are ready.”
The match is scheduled for 17h00 local time at the Mohamed Hamloui Stadium in Constantine.
The U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco drew a scouting frenzy after nearly 200 club scouts descended on stadiums across the country between March 30 and April 19, hoping to snap up the continent’s next big talent.
In a report published on its official website, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed that many scouts from big European clubs were among the crowd, namely from Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Atlético Madrid. Top African clubs like Wydad, RS Berkane, and Al Ahly also sent talent scouts.
Ex-Ghana international Bernard Kumordzi, now a scout for Genk, was left spotted among the spectators.
“It’s my first U17 AFCON. Honestly, I didn’t expect this level. The set-up, the players, the organisation – top drawer,” said Kumordzi.
He added: “People compare this to past editions, but this one felt different — full of quality and potential. Sure, it can improve, but it’s already a breeding ground for excellence.”
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Morocco were crowned champions of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history after defeating two-time winners Mali 4-2 on penalties following a tense goalless draw in Saturday’s final at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia.
The hosts held their nerve in the shootout with goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui emerging as the hero, saving two spot-kicks to send the home fans into raptures after a tightly contested final between two of the tournament’s most consistent sides.
The win ends Morocco’s long wait for continental glory at this level, just two years after finishing as runners-up to Senegal.
For Mali, it was heartbreak in their fifth final appearance, despite dominating large portions of the match.
Mali thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half through Fané, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for a handball in the build-up.
The North Africans responded by tightening their lines, with central defenders Driss Ait Cheikh and Moncef Zekri repelling Mali’s aggressive transitions.
Despite late pressure and a string of set-pieces from the West Africans, the deadlock remained unbroken at full-time.
Penalty drama seals historic win
In the shootout, Morocco converted all four of their spot-kicks with confidence—Ziyad Baha, Zakari El Khalfioui, Amine Ouahabi and Ilies Belmokhtar all finding the net.
Mali’s Issa Koné and Lamine Keita both saw their efforts saved, handing the title to the jubilant hosts.
Coach Nabil Baha, who guided the young Lions with discipline and defensive rigour throughout the tournament, hailed his players’ composure. Morocco conceded just one goal in the entire competition.
Mali, led by Adama Diefla Diallo, had hoped to secure a third U-17 crown after lifting the trophy in 2015 and 2017. But their dreams were dashed by a well-organised and mentally resilient Moroccan side.
Stalemate in regular time
Neither side managed to find a breakthrough in regulation time, although both had chances in an absorbing tactical contest.
Morocco’s Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub threatened from range while Mali’s Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané were lively throughout, but their final efforts lacked precision.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Host nation Morocco continued their impressive run at the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, overpowering South Africa 3-1 on Thursday evening in Mohammedia to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Backed by a passionate home crowd at the Stade El Bachir, the Atlas Cubs were clinical when it mattered most, with Ziyad Baha scoring twice in a dominant second-half display after the teams went into the break with the Moroccans holding a slender 1-0 lead.
The win sees Morocco take a giant step towards their dream of lifting the title on home soil, as they now look ahead to a tough last-four encounter.
Morocco looked dangerous from the outset, with striker Ziyad Baha drawing an early save before Ismail El Aoud found the breakthrough in the 13th minute, smashing home from close range after a rebound.
Despite Morocco’s strong start, South Africa showed resilience. Neo Bohloko brought the Amajimbos level in the 54th minute, rising to head in a pinpoint cross from Emile Witbooi.
The goal sparked brief hope for the visitors, who had grown into the match after weathering early pressure.
Just as South Africa began to settle, Morocco responded with purpose. Within two minutes of the equaliser, Baha latched onto a headed pass from El Aoud to fire Morocco back in front in the 61st minute.
The forward then doubled his tally with another cool finish from Abdellah Ouazane’s through ball a minute later.
From there, Morocco remained in control, repelling South Africa’s advances with organised defending and launching swift counterattacks.
Chouaib Bellaarouch produced two key saves to deny Oageng Lebesane and Witbooi late in the second half, preserving Morocco’s advantage.
Meanwhile, the home crowd continued to spur the Atlas Cubs forward.
As the clock ticked down, the hosts managed the game with maturity beyond their years, frustrating South Africa’s desperate attempts to get back into the tie.
Baha, El Aoud, and Belmokhtar remained a constant threat on the break, while Morocco’s backline absorbed pressure with composure.
South Africa made several substitutions to inject energy into their attack, but Morocco’s structure and physicality proved too much.
With this victory, Morocco becomes the second team to confirm their spot in the semi-finals of the competition, joining Burkina Faso who advanced earlier in the day after thrashing Zambia 6-1.
As the tournament heads into its decisive phase, Morocco’s blend of attacking flair and defensive organisation will make them serious contenders for the U-17 AFCON crown.
-CAF
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- WOMEN'S FOOTBALL1 week ago
Naira rain falls on Nigeria’s Flamingos after a 4-0 defeat of Algeria
- OBITUARY5 days ago
NFF mourns the demise of former FIFA referee, Bosede Momoh
- Nigerian Football3 days ago
Financial rainfall awaits Nigeria’s Flamingos for every goal scored in Algeria
- U-17 AFCON1 week ago
Morocco crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after dramatic penalty shootout win over Mali
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Nigeria begin CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations title chase with Tunisian clash
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Remo Stars maintain ‘7Up’ lead over Rivers United
- feature5 days ago
Ghana’s Cardinal, Appiah Turkson, listed as a possible Pope
- Nigerian Football3 days ago
Former WAFU President, Ogufere mourns Christian Chukwu