Scoreless but intense final

The final of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia delivered 90 minutes of tension and tactical battle between Morocco and Mali, but no goals. Despite numerous opportunities, neither side managed to break the deadlock.

Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub tested from distance for the hosts, while Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané were lively for the visitors, though lacking precision in their finishing.

Mali even thought they had opened the scoring through Fané, only for VAR to rule it out due to a handball in the buildup. Morocco’s backline, led by Driss Ait Cheikh and Moncef Zekri, stood firm against late pressure from their opponents.

Alaoui steps up in shootout

The match was ultimately decided from the penalty spot, where Morocco showed great composure. Ziyad Baha, Zakari El Khalfioui, Amine Ouahabi, and Ilies Belmokhtar all converted their attempts with confidence.

For Mali, Issa Koné and Lamine Keita were denied by goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui, who emerged as the hero with two crucial saves that secured a historic victory for the North Africans.

Head coach Nabil Baha, who led his side with discipline and a strong defensive structure, praised his squad for their focus and mental strength throughout the tournament. Morocco conceded just one goal across the entire competition.

For Mali, managed by Adama Diefla Diallo, it was a bitter end to their fifth final appearance. Aiming for a third title after winning in 2015 and 2017, they fell short against a well-organized and determined Moroccan side.

The win marks a historic moment for Moroccan youth football and confirms their growing status as a rising force on the African continent.