Morocco qualify for U-17 World Cup after win over Tanzania

Morocco’s U-17 side secured qualification for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.

This comes following their 3-0 victory over Tanzania in their final group match at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is underway in Morocco.

Despite a difficult start, the Atlas Cubs broke the deadlock through Ilyass Belmakhtar in the 76th minute.

Abdellah Ouazzane added two more — including a stunning free-kick — to wrap up the win and top spot in Group A with seven points.

The results also confirm their place in the 2025 World Cup in Qatar, which runs from November 3 to 27.

“We’ve played solid matches — against Uganda, Zambia, and now Tanzania. What matters most is we haven’t conceded a goal,” Morocco U17 head coach Nabil Baha said after the game.

Baha said he urged his players at half-time to raise their intensity. “I told them to give more. They understood. Today they ran over 10km, compared to 7km in the last match. When we outrun the opponent, we create chances.”

“We have players who can make the difference. And we’re defensively strong, which gives us confidence.”

Baha warned against expecting early goals in every game.

“Sometimes young players need to take responsibility. Matches aren’t won in the first minute — they last up to 100 minutes.”

Meanwhile, Morocco will face South Africa on Thursday in the quarterfinals.