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Morocco U17 Advances to African Cup Final After Penalty Shootout Win Over Ivory Coast
Wednesday 16 April 2025, by
The Moroccan under-17 national team has secured its ticket to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in this category. At the end of a highly contested semi-final against Ivory Coast, this Tuesday evening in Mohammedia, the young Atlas Lions had to wait for the penalty shootout to clinch their qualification.
The match, which took place at the El Bachir stadium, did not allow the two teams to be separated during regular time. The scoreboard remained frozen at 0-0 at the final whistle, despite domination from the Moroccan players.
From the first half, coach Nabil Baha’s protégés took control of the game, monopolizing the ball for long sequences. They created some interesting situations, including an offensive that forced the goalkeeper to be vigilant. However, this control remained unproductive and both teams went to the locker rooms with this tied score.
The scenario repeated itself after the break. The Moroccans continued to push to force a decision, multiplying attempts on the opposing goal, without managing to find the breakthrough. The Ivorian defense held firm, forcing the Lions to the penalty shootout test.
It was finally in this exercise that the young Moroccans made the difference. More precise in front of the goalkeeper, they won with a score of 4 to 3, thus securing their place for the ultimate match of the competition against Mali.