U-17 AFCON
Goal rain floods U-17 African Cup quarter finals
It was a shower of rain at the U-17 African Cup of Nations on Wednesday night.
The two quarter finals of the day produced eight goals. It began with Morocco beating their arch rivals and hosts, Algeria, 3-0.
Senegal followed up with a 5-0 pummelling of South Africa.
Both Morocco and Senegal have therefore picked U17 World Cup tickets. Two more are at stake this Thursday night.
In the Algeria – Morocco match, Zakaria Ouazane scored a goal in either half and Adam Chakir adding a late third at a stunning a fully packed Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui in Constantine.
In the case of Senegal, a pair of first half own goals by each of South Africa’s central defenders followed up by Mamadou Sadio’s goal and skipper Amara Diouf’s brace saw the Teranga Cubs continue with their impressive performance in the competition.
This is the first time ever that Senegal have progressed beyond the group stages of the U17 AFCON. They have also qualified for the World Cup for the second time in their history, having done so in 2019.
Senegal scored three goals in seven minutes late in the first half to completely break down a spirited fight from South Africa.
Waylon Renecke was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own net in the 36th minute as he tried to cut out a headed ball just inside the six yard box.
Three minutes later, his central defense partner, skipper Benjamin Wallis, also put the ball into his own net as he tried to clear out after the keeper had spilled a freekick from Diouf.
Senegal made it 3-0 in the 43rd minute when Sadio scored with a brilliant half volley from the edge of the box after Abdou Aziz Fall had teed up the ball for him.
With a 3-0 cushion at halftime and a complete dominance that had seen South Africa fail to land a ball on target, the West Africans had the job half done.
In the second half, they needed just nine minutes to get their fourth, though it had to be given by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) which was being used at the tournament for the first time.
A run by Omar Sall on the left caught the South African backline off balance, the latter squaring for Diouf to slam home from inside the box. He had initially been flagged offside, but upon review, the VAR gave the goal.
In the 71st minute, Diouf who had enjoyed a brilliant performance capped it off with a brace when he headed home at the backpost after a brilliant cross from Ibrahima Diallo found his perfect run.
With a 5-0 cushion, South Africa’s fighting spirit was hugely dented, and Senegal eased through the remaining minutes with utter dominance to seal their place in the last four.
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.”
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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.
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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
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