Morocco maintain perfect U15 World Cup record as Tunisia suffer first defeat

Morocco continued their outstanding run at the U15 World Cup in Baku with a 7-0 victory over Curacao, while Tunisia lost for the first time and DR Congo finally secured their opening win.

The Atlas Cubs were in complete control against Curacao, with Yassine Ajana and Said Noufii both scoring twice. The result strengthened Morocco’s position at the top of Group F, although the scale of the victory needs to be viewed in context: Curacao had already been beaten 17-0 by Costa Rica.

Karim Meftal’s side have now won all four of their matches. They previously defeated the Philippines 2-0, Costa Rica 4-2 and Belize 6-0, scoring 19 goals and conceding only two.

Morocco, who have 12 points, still have to play Liberia in the afternoon before finding out their schedule for the second phase, which will take place from 28 to 30 October. Six of the 14 Moroccan players selected for the tournament come from the Mohammed VI Academy, providing an important showcase for the country’s emerging generation.

Tunisia’s progress was halted in Group D as the Carthage Eagles were beaten 2-1 by El Salvador. The defeat came after three successive wins against Nepal, whom they beat 3-1, DR Congo, whom they defeated by the same score, and Guinea-Bissau, in a six-goal thriller which ended 6-4.

Tunisia remain on nine points and will finish the first phase against Brazil, the other leading side in the group. Their first loss does not erase an otherwise strong campaign, but it underlined their defensive vulnerability: they have already conceded eight goals. The meeting with Brazil will provide a tougher examination.

In the same group, DR Congo claimed their first points by beating Guinea-Bissau 1-0. The result offered relief to the Leopards, who had opened the competition with three defeats against El Salvador, losing 3-2, Tunisia, losing 3-1, and Brazil, who won 3-0.

Zico Tumba’s players now have three points and will attempt to build on the victory when they face Nepal. After a difficult start, the result gives them renewed confidence and ensures they will not complete the first phase without a win.

Elsewhere, Benin were beaten 6-1 by Italy. The Young Cheetahs are second-bottom of their group despite having four points from four matches.

The latest fixtures came on a busy day in Azerbaijan, following morning results which had favoured Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire. Morocco’s victory extended their perfect record, Tunisia suffered their first setback and DR Congo finally got their campaign moving.