South Africa made a statement of intent at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Egypt in their Group B opener on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

In a rollercoaster contest packed with drama, penalties, and a red card, it was Emile Witbooi’s 71st-minute strike that ultimately sealed the win for Amajimbos, who now sit top of the group alongside Burkina Faso with three points.

The match exploded into life almost immediately, as South Africa took the lead in the first minute through Simphiwe Mlondo.

Egypt responded quickly, equalising three minutes later with a header from Anas Roshdi. The Pharaohs then surged ahead 3-1 with goals from Roshdi again and Hamza Abdel Karim in a dominant 20-minute spell.

But South Africa roared back before the break. Two penalties from Neo Bohloko – the first in the 27th minute and the second just before half-time – levelled the scores at 3-3 going into the interval.

Both sides created chances in a tense second half, but it was Witbooi who found the breakthrough, calmly finishing from the centre of the box after a well-timed pass from Bohloko.

Egypt’s misery was compounded in stoppage time when Omar Abdel Aziz received a red card following a VAR review.

The result sees South Africa join Burkina Faso – who earlier came from behind to beat Cameroon 2-1 – at the top of Group B.

The Amajimbos now turn their focus to a clash with Cameroon on Thursday, while Egypt will seek redemption against Burkina Faso.

-CAF

Morocco made a dream start to the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a resounding 5-0 victory over Uganda in the tournament’s opening match on Sunday night in Mohammedia. Had they made it six goals, the Moroccans would have spelt U-G-A-N-D-A!

Playing in front of their home fans at El Bachir Stadium, the hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring twice in the opening ten minutes and never looking back.

The emphatic result puts Morocco top of Group A, providing an early boost to their hopes of lifting the continental title.

With Ramadan drawing to a close and Eid al-Fitr just a day away, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric as supporters turned out in numbers to celebrate both faith and football.

“What better way to start the Eid celebrations than to support our young Lions of the Atlas,” said Amir, a local fan who attended with his family. “I brought my daughters and nephew — I knew they would make us proud!”

Morocco were ahead after just three minutes, thanks to Ilies Belmokhtar, before Driss Aït Chiekh doubled the lead in the 8th minute.

The early double lifted the crowd, who remained loud and energetic despite the late 22:00 kick-off.

The pressure from Morocco was relentless, and in the 23rd minute, they were awarded a penalty following a VAR review by Nigerien referee Sadou Ali Brahamou.

The spot-kick was calmly converted by Ziyad Baha Abedlahadj, the Real Betis forward, who was cheered on by chants of “Chebbka!” (meaning “the net”) from the crowd.

Belmokhtar returned to the scoresheet soon after with a solo effort, giving Morocco a 4-0 lead before half-time, having enjoyed 67% possession and converting four of their six first-half chances.

Uganda tried to regroup after the break, returning to the pitch early with renewed intent.

Simon Wanyama nearly pulled one back, only to be denied by an excellent save from Moroccan goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch.

The Mohammed VI Academy keeper also frustrated efforts from Elvis Torach and Richard Okello, keeping his clean sheet intact with a string of fine saves.

As Uganda pushed forward in search of a consolation, they left gaps at the back. Morocco capitalised again in the 71st minute when Ziyad Baha pounced on a defensive error by Ashraf Lukyamuzi to make it five.

The score remained unchanged as Morocco wrapped up a comprehensive victory, sending an early warning to their Group A rivals.

With three points and a significant goal difference advantage, they now sit top of the group heading into the next round of fixtures.

For the Moroccan supporters, it was a perfect evening — combining the joy of football with the spirit of Eid.

 More importantly, it was a clear statement of intent from a team that has every ambition of going all the way in this year’s tournament.

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Uganda U-17 coach Brian Ssenyondo has vowed his side will bounce back from their disappointing 5-0 defeat to hosts Morocco at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Cubs were handed a humbling loss in their opening group match, but Ssenyondo says the setback is not the end of the road as his team eyes qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

“A false start is not the end of the race,” Ssenyondo said defiantly in the post-match press conference.

“It’s never easy facing the host nation, especially a side like Morocco, who are well ahead of us in the FIFA rankings. But we’re not here to make up the numbers.”

Ssenyondo remained calm despite the scoreline and insists Uganda will refocus for their next match against regional rivals Tanzania — a game that now carries do-or-die stakes.

“I firmly believe we will recover,” he added.

“I know my team, and I know what they are capable of. We will bounce back. I’ll give the boys tonight to process this loss, but tomorrow we go back to work.”

The coach emphasised that his players remain focused on their mission: to secure one of the coveted World Cup qualification spots and make history for Ugandan football.

“Despite this defeat, the boys are not discouraged,” Ssenyondo said.

“In fact, they are more motivated. They want to write history for their country. We know there will be no second chances. Champions are revealed when they’re up against the wall.”

Uganda’s next match against Tanzania will be more than just a group fixture.

It is a survival battle in the tournament, but also an opportunity for a young squad to show it has what it takes to join the continent’s elite at youth level.

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