Morocco claimed their first-ever CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations title on Saturday, defeating Mali 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a tense goalless draw at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia.
The victory, sealed by goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui’s crucial saves during spot-kicks, sparked jubilation among home fans and capped a tournament marked by defensive discipline from the hosts.
Both teams struggled to break the deadlock in a tightly contested final characterized by tactical discipline and missed opportunities. Mali, chasing a third U-17 title, dominated stretches of the match and thought they had scored through Soumaila Fané in the first half, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review detected a handball. Morocco’s resilience shone through as center-backs Driss Ait Cheikh and Moncef Zekri repeatedly neutralized Mali’s attacks, while forwards Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub tested Mali’s defense with long-range efforts.
The shootout saw Morocco convert all four penalties, with Alaoui emerging as the hero by saving attempts from Mali’s Issa Koné and Lamine Keita. The triumph avenged Morocco’s runner-up finish in 2022 and underscored their growth in youth football under coach Nabil Baha, whose squad conceded just one goal throughout the tournament.
Mali, winners in 2015 and 2017, fell short in their fifth final appearance despite controlling possession and creating chances. Coach Adama Diefla Diallo’s side struggled to translate their aggressive transitions into clear-cut finishes, a flaw magnified in the high-pressure shootout.
The historic win reinforces Morocco’s rising stature in African football, blending tactical rigor with mental fortitude. While the team’s defensive organization anchored their campaign, their ability to thrive under pressure signals promising prospects for future competitions. For Mali, the quest for a third title continues, but their consistent presence in finals highlights their enduring talent pipeline.
Saturday’s result not only delivers Morocco a maiden U-17 crown but also sets a benchmark for youth development programs across the continent. As celebrations engulfed Mohammedia, the victory resonated as a testament to homegrown strategy and the unyielding spirit of a team that refused to falter when it mattered most.
