Atlas Cubs Roar: Morocco’s U-17 AFCON Victory Signals New Era for African Football

This landmark win ends Morocco’s long wait for continental glory at this level and signals a major leap forward for youth football in the country and across Africa.

The final was a tense, tactical battle with both sides displaying defensive discipline and flashes of attacking promise. Despite several opportunities, neither Morocco nor Mali could find the net regularly.

Notably, Mali’s Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané were lively but lacked precision, while Morocco’s Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub threatened from range. A potential Malian goal was ruled out by VAR for handball, underlining the razor-thin margins that defined the match.

With the score locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, the contest moved to penalties. Morocco’s composure shone through as Ziyad Baha, Zakari El Khalfioui, Amine Ouahabi, and Ilies Belmokhtar all converted their spot-kicks. Goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch emerged as the hero, saving two Malian penalties to secure a 4-2 shootout win and send the home crowd into jubilation.

This victory is particularly significant given Morocco’s recent near-misses. The Atlas Cubs were runners-up in 2023, losing narrowly to Senegal, and had reached the final only once before. Their journey to the 2025 title was marked by resilience, tactical discipline, and a remarkable defensive record, conceding just one goal throughout the tournament.

Morocco’s rise at youth level mirrors the country’s broader footballing renaissance, following recent successes at U-20, U-23, and senior levels. With this win, Morocco becomes the tenth nation to lift the U-17 AFCON trophy and the first host to win since Gambia in 2005.

The tournament spotlighted several Moroccan talents:

Abdellah Ouazane (Ajax Amsterdam) was named Player of the Tournament for his leadership, vision, and technical skill, contributing two goals and three assists.
Chouaib Bellaarouch (Académie Mohammed VI de Football) was awarded both Best Goalkeeper and Man of the Match in the final, having conceded only once in the entire competition.
Coach Nabil Baha received Best Coach honors for instilling a disciplined, identity-driven approach that proved decisive in high-pressure moments.

Football analysts and CAF officials have praised Morocco’s holistic approach to youth development. The team completed 1,449 passes with an accuracy of 78.45%, highlighting their technical maturity. Their defensive solidity—four clean sheets and just one goal conceded—was unmatched in the tournament.

CAF’s rigorous MRI-based age verification protocol ensured a level playing field, with less than 1% ineligibility rate, reinforcing the credibility of Morocco’s achievement and the integrity of African youth competitions.

Morocco’s U-17 AFCON triumph is more than a sporting milestone—it’s a testament to the nation’s strategic investment in youth football and infrastructure. The success reflects the effectiveness of the Mohammed VI Football Academy and the Moroccan Football Federation’s long-term vision.

On a continental scale, Morocco’s win underscores the growing competitiveness and professionalism of African youth football. The tournament showcased emerging talents, robust anti-age cheating measures, and rising tactical standards, setting a benchmark for future editions.

For Moroccan society, the victory has sparked national pride and inspired a new generation of footballers, while also contributing to the country’s cultural and sporting prestige. Having now conquered every AFCON title from U-17 to senior level, Morocco’s footballing narrative is one of sustained progress and continental leadership.

Morocco’s U-17 AFCON victory is a watershed moment—celebrated not just for the trophy, but for what it represents: the promise of African youth, the power of sporting investment, and the unifying spirit of football. As the Atlas Cubs lift their first continental crown, they do so as symbols of a continent on the rise, ready to make waves on the global stage.

“We’re here to win, but above all to respect our playing identity,” 

Coach Nabil Baha

🇲🇦 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 🇲🇦

No place like home, right? Hosts Morocco are your #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 winners! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/JP3nddsiMN

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 19, 2025