Morocco captured their first-ever U17 Africa Cup of Nations title on Saturday evening, defeating Mali in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regular time.
The final, held on April 19, concluded with a 4-2 victory on penalties for the young Atlas Lions, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s youth football development.
Adding to Morocco’s triumph was the recognition of Abdellah Ouazane, who was named the tournament’s best player.
The Ajax midfielder played a central role in his team’s success, delivering standout performances throughout the competition.
Across six appearances, Ouazane netted two goals and contributed three assists, consistently demonstrating his intelligence on the ball, exceptional passing range, and a maturity beyond his years.
Ouazane’s contributions were not limited to statistical impact.
His calm presence in the midfield and ability to dictate the tempo of matches earned him widespread praise from coaches, pundits, and fans alike.
His performances were seen as emblematic of Morocco’s composed and disciplined approach throughout the tournament.
“Abdellah was exceptional from the very first match,” said one tournament official. “He showed leadership, vision, and a remarkable level of consistency for someone so young.”
Morocco’s road to the title was marked by a mix of resilience and tactical discipline.
They advanced through the group stages with assured displays and grew stronger in the knockout rounds.
Their final against Mali, a team known for its physicality and attacking prowess, was tightly contested.
Despite chances for both sides, the match remained scoreless after 90 minutes, pushing the tie to penalties.
The Moroccans held their nerve from the spot, converting four of their attempts while goalkeeper Anas Zniti made two crucial saves to deny Mali.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations from the Moroccan camp, as players and staff embraced on the pitch to commemorate their historic success.
For Abdellah Ouazane, the individual honour capped off a memorable tournament and further cemented his growing reputation as one of Africa’s brightest young talents.
His exploits at the U17 AFCON have not only contributed to his country’s historic win but also signalled the emergence of a player with significant promise on the international stage.
