When, How to Watch Morocco, Mali U17 AFCON Final

The tension is palpable, and Nabil Baha doesn’t try to hide it. "It’s true that there’s some pressure because we’re playing at home and the public expects a victory in this final, but we are prepared for that," he conceded Thursday at a press conference. This expectation is reinforced by the memory of the lost final in the previous edition. The Moroccan coach is counting on the fervor of his young players: "The players are motivated and really want to play this match as soon as possible..."

However, this preparation was disrupted by the organizing committee’s decision to move the kick-off time from 8 PM to 3 PM. A decision that Nabil Baha openly disapproves of: "We have to say it: we don’t agree with this change of schedule, because usually, competition finals are played in the evening. The match for 3rd place is played at 8 PM, while the final will take place at 3 PM. It’s a last-minute change". While regretting the potential impact on supporter attendance, who are used to evening matches, he assures that the team will know how to adjust: "My players are used to playing matches at this time with their clubs. We are ready for all scenarios."

On the sporting front, the challenge is Mali. A team that has demonstrated its strength by eliminating Tunisia and Burkina Faso, and which relies on strong physical impact. To respond, Morocco counts on its technical range, with players like Ilyas Belmokhtar, Abdellah Ouazane, Moncef Zekri and Ziyad Baha, not forgetting the vigilance of Chouaïb Bellaârouch in goal, decisive in the semi-final against the Ivorians. The coach’s instruction is clear: "to enjoy playing this final, to analyze what has been done in previous matches against Mali, to identify their weaknesses and to remedy ours". He insists on the consistency of the opponent: "Even if the matches don’t resemble each other, the philosophy of Malian football often remains the same".

The final will therefore be held this Saturday at 3 PM (Moroccan time) and 4 PM in France and Belgium at the Al Bachir stadium. A final obstacle for the Lion Cubs who have already secured their qualification for the U17 World Cup in Qatar.

The match can be watched live and for free on the Moroccan channel Aarryadia and Fifa+.

CAF also broadcasts the match on its YouTube channel.