19-04-2025
Morocco U-17 make history after winning their first AFCON title
BEIRUT: Morocco's U-17 national football team made history on Saturday by winning their first Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title after edging past Mali 4-2 on penalty shootouts.
For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
They came. They played. They owned the moment. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 19, 2025
Goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch emerged the hero, saving two spot-kicks to secure a historic victory for his teammates, winning their first continental title at the U-17 level.
With this victory, Morocco has now conquered every single AFCON title, from U-17 to U-20, U-23 and the senior level.
On the way to the final game, tournament hosts Morocco faced off against Cote d'Ivoire in the semifinal and edged them out 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw.
Meanwhile, runners-up Mali beat Burkina Faso 2-0 in the second semifinal.
The Atlas Lions had topped Group A with seven points ahead of Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania. Meanwhile, Mali came second in Group D, six points behind leaders Cote d'Ivoire, who led the group with seven points.