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Morocco World
20-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Five Moroccan Players Named to CAN U17 Best XI After Historic Victory
Rabat — In a remarkable achievement for Moroccan football, five players from the national U-17 team have been selected for the Best XI of the 15th edition of the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN U17). The prestigious selection follows Morocco's historic victory, as they claimed their first-ever U-17 continental title after defeating Mali in a tense final yesterday, April 19. The players chosen for the Best XI include: goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch, right-backer Moncef Zekri, central defender Driss Aït Chiekh, attacking midfielder Abdellah Ouazzane and left winger Ilies Belmokhtar. The Moroccan U-17 team led a remarkable performance throughout the tournament with these five players standing out for their skill and consistency. Morocco's triumph came after a dramatic 0-0 draw against Mali in the final, followed by a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout, securing their spot in football's history. This victory marks a significant milestone in Moroccan football, with the country's young talent gaining recognition on the continental stage. The inclusion of five players in the Best XI is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, displaying their dominant performance in the tournament. Tags: 2025 U17 AFCONAfrican footbalMorocco sports
CAF
20-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON: The Best XI
They lit up the Moroccan pitches with their raw talent. After three weeks of intense competition, the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 ended with a triumph for the host nation, but also marked the emergence of young stars. Here is the Best XI of the 15th edition of the competition — a line-up that reflects the extraordinary reservoir of talent that African football possesses. Chouaib Bellaarouch (Morocco) GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper from the Mohammed VI Academy was one of the key players behind Morocco's title win. Rock-solid on his line, dominant in the air, and decisive in the penalty shootout during the final against Mali, he deservedly walks away with the tournament's Best Goalkeeper award. Moncef Zekri (Morocco) – Right-back Always accurate in his forward runs and precise with his crosses, Zekri constantly surged up and down his flank. His understanding with Ouazane during attacking phases often unsettled opposing defences. Issouf Dabo (Burkina Faso) – Centre-back Strong, disciplined, and always well positioned, Issa Dabo was a pillar of the Little Stallions' defensive stability. Thanks to his reading of the game and composure in duels, the Burkinabè defender emerged as a natural leader — a standout figure in a Burkina Faso team that narrowly missed the podium but held their heads high. Driss Aït Chiekh (Morocco) – Centre-back Another explosive force on the flank, Aït Chiekh embodied Moroccan energy. Solid in defence and incisive going forward, he often provided an extra option in attack. Vaboué Doumbia (Côte d'Ivoire) – Left-back The Ivorian defender was both commanding in challenges and clean in distribution. His composure in high-pressure moments contributed significantly to the Elephanteaux's strong run, finishing third after a dramatic win over Burkina Faso. Issa Tounkara (Mali) – Defensive midfielder The tireless anchor of Mali's midfield, Issa Tounkara shone with his ability to intercept passes, win the ball, and launch attacks cleanly. Always well positioned and valuable during transitions, the captain of the Aiglonnets was one of the unsung heroes of Mali's impressive campaign. Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco) – Attacking midfielder The playmaker. Elegant, composed, and blessed with a silky left foot, the Ajax Amsterdam player lit up the tournament with his talent. Named Player of the Tournament, he directed play with remarkable calmness and maturity. Seydou Dembélé (Mali) – Attacking midfielder The conductor of Mali's game, Dembélé stood out for his vision and intelligence in tight spaces — a creator in the purest tradition of African number 10s. Ilies Belmokhtar (Morocco) – Left winger Fast, skilful, and inspired, Belmokhtar was a nightmare for opposing full-backs. Direct and quick, he was a constant threat while also contributing to the team effort. Ashsaraf Tapsoba (Burkina Faso) – Right winger Joint top scorer of the tournament with 7 goals, Tapsoba was Burkina Faso's primary attacking weapon. Quick and clinical in the final touch, he showed he could make the difference at any moment. Alynho Haidara (Ivory Coast) – Striker Also joint top scorer with 7 goals, the lively Ivorian striker made his mark with sharp runs and cool finishing. His equaliser in the third-place play-off showed great strength and character.
Arab News
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
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.
CAF
19-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ouazane named best player as Morocco sweep awards after historic triumph over Mali
Published: Saturday, 19 April 2025 Morocco dominated the post-match honours after winning their maiden TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations title, with several players and coach Nabil Baha recognised for their standout performances in the tournament held on home soil. Midfield maestro Abdellah Ouazane, who plays for Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam, was named Player of the Tournament. The 16-year-old was instrumental in Morocco's march to the final, dictating play with composure, vision, and tactical intelligence. His ability to control tempo and deliver decisive moments in the midfield earned plaudits from the Technical Study Group. Another standout performer was goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch, who claimed both the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award and the Man of the Match title for the final. The Académie Mohammed VI de Football shot-stopper was a model of consistency throughout the campaign, conceding just one goal in the entire tournament. His heroics in the final included two penalty saves in the shootout against Mali that sealed Morocco's 4-2 win after a goalless draw. The architect of Morocco's success, Nabil Baha, was honoured as Best Coach. The former international led his side with a disciplined defensive strategy and a clear identity of play, guiding the Atlas Cubs to their first-ever continental title. Under Baha, Morocco conceded only once and went unbeaten across the tournament. Despite losing in the final, Mali were awarded the Fair Play Award for their sportsmanship and conduct throughout the competition. Coach Adama Diefla Diallo's side displayed relentless energy and flair, reflecting the strong tradition of Malian youth football. The tournament showcased the best of African youth football, and Morocco's clean sweep of individual awards was a fitting end to a campaign marked by resilience, structure, and tactical maturity. Award Winners – TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON 2025: 🏆 Player of the Tournament : Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco) 🧤 Best Goalkeeper : Chouaib Bellaarouch (Morocco ) 👔 Best Coach : Nabil Baha (Morocco) 🕊️ Fair Play Award : Mali ⭐ Man of the Match – Final: Chouaib Bellaarouch (Morocco)
