Morocco U17 miss their debut and lose 0-2 to Japan

Despite a stated desire to open the scoring quickly, Nabil Baha’s protégés failed to materialize their intentions in the first half. Faced with a well-organized Japanese team, the Atlas Cubs had several opportunities but showed haste in the finishing, whether at the time of the shot or the final pass. The two teams went to the locker room with a goalless draw (0-0).

Morocco tried everything in the second half

The match turned in the return from the locker room. Japan managed to open the scoring in the 57th minute, forcing the Atlas Cubs to open up in an attempt to equalize.

The Moroccans thought they had a reprieve when, in the 76th minute, a second Japanese goal was disallowed by Italian referee after consulting the VAR for a handball.

Despite this warning, Nabil Baha’s players failed to find the gap, lacking offensive efficiency and losing many balls. Japan finally sealed their victory by scoring a second goal in stoppage time.

Morocco will have to react in their second group match, scheduled for this Thursday, November 6, against Portugal. They will end this phase by facing New Caledonia on November 9.