Morocco’s U-17 side etched their name into the history books with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Mali to win the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.
The tightly contested final, played at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, ended goalless after regular and extra time, forcing the showdown to be settled from the spot.
Roared on by a passionate home crowd, the young Atlas Lions kept their composure when it mattered most. Ziyad Baha, Zakari Khalfioui, Amine Ouahabi, and Ilyes Belmokhtar converted their penalties with calm precision to ensure a perfect score from the spot.
Mali, chasing a third title at this level, found the net through Ndjicoura Bomba and Tiemoko Berthe. However, the pressure got to Lamine Keita and Issa Kone, both of whom missed their kicks, handing Morocco the win.
This marks a significant milestone for Moroccan youth football, as the U-17s capped an impressive tournament run with a trophy on home ground and a moment their fans will never forget.
