Latest news with #IliesBelmokhtar
Morocco World
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Best U17 Youth Player: Morocco's Ilies Belmokhtar Named Golden Kid
Rabat – Morocco's rising star Ilies Belmokhtar has been named the best U17 youth player competing in France at the inaugural Golden Kid Awards. Le Monde Du Foot reported that Belmokhtar is taking home a well-deserved recognition, rewarding his exceptional 2024-2025 season. 'For this inaugural edition, Ilies Belmokhtar truly shone. Gifted with genuine tactical maturity, he was one of the key architects of AS Monaco's success in youth competitions this season,' the same source said. Commenting on his new achievement, Belmokhtar commented that the award is a 'great pride.' 'Especially to my parents, I hope they are proud of me,' he said . The same sports-focused website recalled the triumphs the Atlas Cub has achieved with Morocco, including his U17 Africa Cup of Nations win in April. The Golden Kid awards seek to recognize the best young developing players in France. The initiative is the fruit of L'Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi and streamer Isoline Almeida. In May, Ilies Belmokhtar signed his first professional contract with AS Monaco. Belmokhtar was born in Ivry-sur-Seine in 2008, and joined the AS Monaco Academy in 2023. In April, the Atlas Cub was among the five players from the national U-17 team selected for the Best XI of the Under-17 AFCON in its 15th edition. In addition to Belmokhtar, the players chosen for the Best XI include: goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch, right-back Moncef Zekri, central defender Driss Aït Chiekh, and attacking midfielder Abdellah Ouazzane. Morocco's AFCON 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 history. Tags: Africa Football FederationAfrican Confederation of Football
CAF
19-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco crowned TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON champions after dramatic penalty shootout win over Mali
Published: Saturday, 19 April 2025 Morocco were crowned champions of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history after defeating two-time winners Mali 4-2 on penalties following a tense goalless draw in Saturday's final at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia. The hosts held their nerve in the shootout with goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui emerging as the hero, saving two spot-kicks to send the home fans into raptures after a tightly contested final between two of the tournament's most consistent sides. The win ends Morocco's long wait for continental glory at this level, just two years after finishing as runners-up to Senegal. For Mali, it was heartbreak in their fifth final appearance, despite dominating large portions of the match. Stalemate in regular time Neither side managed to find a breakthrough in regulation time, although both had chances in an absorbing tactical contest. Morocco's Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub threatened from range while Mali's Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané were lively throughout, but their final efforts lacked precision. Mali thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half through Fané, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for a handball in the build-up. The North Africans responded by tightening their lines, with central defenders Driss Ait Cheikh and Moncef Zekri repelling Mali's aggressive transitions. Despite late pressure and a string of set-pieces from the West Africans, the deadlock remained unbroken at full-time. Penalty drama seals historic win In the shootout, Morocco converted all four of their spot-kicks with confidence—Ziyad Baha, Zakari El Khalfioui, Amine Ouahabi and Ilies Belmokhtar all finding the net. Mali's Issa Koné and Lamine Keita both saw their efforts saved, handing the title to the jubilant hosts. Coach Nabil Baha, who guided the young Lions with discipline and defensive rigour throughout the tournament, hailed his players' composure. Morocco conceded just one goal in the entire competition. Mali, led by Adama Diefla Diallo, had hoped to secure a third U-17 crown after lifting the trophy in 2015 and 2017. But their dreams were dashed by a well-organised and mentally resilient Moroccan side.
CAF
07-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ouazane brace inspires Morocco to quarter-final and FIFA U-17 World Cup place
Published: Sunday, 06 April 2025 Morocco finished top of Group A in the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday evening after securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Tanzania to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition as well as the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The victory over the East Africans sealed Morocco's impressive Group campaign which sees them finish top of the group alongside Zambia whom they edge on better goal difference. With the match headed for a stalemate as both sides struggled breaking each other's defense, Ilies Belmokhtar fired the North Africans into the lead in the 76th minute, a goal that put Morocco in a comfortable position knowing that a draw would be sufficient to see them through to the next round. The concession resulted in a much open match, with Tanzania sending more numbers forward – a tactic that backfired terribly as they opened up at the back for Abdellah Ouazane to secure brace with goals in the 81stand 84th minute. Ouazane's brace sealed a clinical display by Morocco who not only advance to the quarter-finals but celebrate a ticket to the newly expanded FIFA U-17 World Cup. The defeat to Tanzania was the third and sees their TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON campaign sadly come to an end.
Morocco World
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco vs Zambia: When, How to Watch & Score Prediction
Morocco and Zambia go head-to-head today in their second Group A match at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams opened the tournament with emphatic wins and now meet at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia with the first spot on table at stake. Kick-off is at 8 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT) and fans can catch the action live on Arriyadia. Morocco dominated Uganda in their opener, winning 5-0 in front of a moderate home attendance. Ilies Belmokhtar and Driss Aït Chiekh struck early, putting the game beyond Uganda inside ten minutes. Ziyad Baha converted a penalty before Belmokhtar added his second, and Baha rounded off the win in the second half. Head coach Nabil Baha warned his players not to get carried away. 'We told them to forget Uganda. That game is over. Zambia is strong, and we need full focus,' he told FRMF channel after last night's training. Zambia also started well, easing 4-1 past Tanzania. The young Chipolopolo know how to handle the pressure of facing a host nation. They beat Niger in 2015 and edged Morocco 2-1 in their last group-stage meeting in 2023. Score Prediction Morocco's attacking flow and juggernaut is expected to have the upper-hand and will test Zambia's defense but the visitors will be lurking, ready to pounce if the opportunity presents itself and strike with fast counters. Verdict: Morocco 2-1 Tanzania Tags: Moroccou17 afconU17 MoroccoZambia
Ya Biladi
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Morocco U17 triumphs with 5-0 victory over Uganda
The Moroccan U17 team kicked off the Africa Cup of Nations in spectacular fashion, thrashing Uganda 5-0 on Sunday evening at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia. Ilies Belmokhtar opened the scoring in just the 3rd minute, quickly followed by Driss Ait Cheikh in the 8th. Dominating the game, the Atlas Cubs extended their lead with a penalty converted by Ziyad Baha in the 24th minute. Before halftime, Belmokhtar netted his second goal in the 32nd minute, assisted by Ahmed Mouhoub. Despite a more energetic response from Uganda in the second half, the Moroccan defense remained solid. The offensive display was capped off in the 71st minute when Baha scored his second goal of the match. Morocco will face Zambia on Thursday, April 3, before concluding the group stage against Tanzania on April 6. Twelve teams are competing in this U17 AFCON, which also serves as a qualifier for the U17 World Cup, set to take place in Qatar.
