Morocco wrote a new page in its footballing history by winning its first U17 Africa Cup of Nations this Saturday in Mohammedia, beating Mali on penalties (0-0, 4 tab to 2). In a tense and balanced final, each team created chances, but the fatigue accumulated over the course of the tournament was felt, preventing the young talents from realizing their actions in normal time. As in the semi-final against Ivory Coast, Moroccan goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch shone during the penalty shootout, making two superb decisive saves. The victory was sealed by AS Monaco player Ilies Belmokhtar and a calm Panenka, under the admiring gaze of CAF president Patrice Motsepe and A coach Walid Regragui. This coronation launches in the most beautiful way a very promising year 2025 for Moroccan football, which will host the women’s CAN in July, before concluding in December with the seniors’ CAN. The dream of a historic treble is now launched — and the first step has been brilliantly taken.
