Morocco U17 eliminates Mali (3-2) and will face Brazil in the quarter-finals

The match, played on Tuesday on the pitch of the Aspire Zone Academy in Doha, began with a sterile Moroccan domination. Nabil Baha’s protégés multiplied the opportunities without being able to conclude, sinning by lack of concentration in the final gesture in front of the Malian goalkeeper. The situation was unlocked in the 29th minute thanks to a header from Ziyad Baha, giving a logical advantage to Morocco.

The end of the first half was unleashed in stoppage time. Mali first managed to equalize on a penalty. But the Moroccan reaction was immediate: Ismaïl El Aoud gave his team the advantage again with a header, allowing the Atlas Lions to go to the locker room with a 2-1 lead.

A brace from Ismaïl El Aoud and a date with Brazil

Upon returning from the locker room, the match remained open with attempts from both sides, the goalkeepers standing out with several decisive saves. It was ultimately Ismaïl El Aoud who made the break in the 66th minute, scoring his second personal goal of the match and the third for Morocco.

Despite a late reduction in the score, the Moroccan selection was able to maintain its lead until the final whistle. This 3-2 victory propels Morocco into the quarter-finals, where a formidable challenge awaits them. The Atlas Lions will indeed face Brazil, who qualified earlier in the day by eliminating France on penalties.