The semi-final of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations is set to ignite excitement as Morocco prepares to face Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 20:00 at the El Bachir stadium in Mohammédia. This clash brings together two of the tournament's most potent attacks, with Morocco having netted 11 goals and Côte d’Ivoire closely following with 10 goals. At the heart of this thrilling encounter are Ziyad Baha and Alynho Haïdara, two forwards whose contrasting styles have captivated fans and analysts alike.
As the stage is set for this high-stakes match, it’s clear that both teams are not just competing for a place in the final but also showcasing their tactical prowess. Morocco, under the guidance of coach Nabil Baha, has adopted a fluid style of play that emphasizes technical skill and quick transitions. In contrast, Côte d’Ivoire, led by coach Bassiriki Diabaté, relies on physical strength and speed, making this semi-final a fascinating tactical battle.
Leading the scoring charts is Burkina Faso’s Ashraf Lukman Tapsoba with 9 goals, but closely following are Côte d’Ivoire’s Alynho Haïdara with 6 goals and Morocco’s Ziyad Baha with 4 goals. Both players have demonstrated their ability to influence matches, but they do so in markedly different ways. Ziyad Baha, at just 16 years old, plays for Real Betis in Spain and is known for his technical ability and agility in tight spaces. His coach, Nabil Baha, has remarked on his son’s impressive performances, stating, “He has statistics that I will reveal one day. They are brutal numbers.”
On the other hand, Alynho Haïdara, who plays for FC Mainz de Jacqueville, is described by his coach as a traditional number 9. “His impact goes beyond just scoring goals,” Diabaté explained. “He is our anchor, the key to our offensive play. His ability to draw defenders and create space is crucial.” This duality in their playing styles sets the stage for an intriguing matchup.
As the match approaches, both teams are aware of the stakes. Morocco, having reached the semi-finals after a strong showing, knows they must deliver a perfect performance to advance to the final. Their average ball possession is 50.5%, which reflects their emphasis on maintaining control while also exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, boasts a slightly higher possession rate of 51.5%, showcasing their ability to dictate play and create chances.
In the lead-up to the match, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Fans are eager to see how Ziyad Baha will handle the pressure of playing in a continental competition at home, especially given his familial connection to the coach. “I am tougher on him than on the others,” Nabil Baha admitted. “He has no room for error because people will always say he plays because of me.” Despite the pressure, Ziyad has proven his worth, consistently finding the back of the net.
Defensively, Morocco will rely on Driss Aït Cheikh, who has the highest rate of aerial duels won at 75%. This defensive strength will be crucial against Côte d’Ivoire’s potent attacking duo of Haïdara and Yannis Touati, who are known for their physicality and speed. The match is expected to be a test of wills, with both teams looking to impose their style on the game.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, both squads are focused on their strategies. Morocco aims to leverage their technical skills and quick passing to break down the Ivorian defense, while Côte d’Ivoire looks to utilize their physicality and pace to create scoring opportunities. The contrast in styles makes this semi-final not just a battle for a spot in the final, but a showcase of the evolving nature of youth football in Africa.
The match will be broadcast live on the Moroccan channel Arryadia and CAF TV, with free streaming available on Fifa+. Fans across the continent are expected to tune in, eager to witness what promises to be an exhilarating encounter.
In the first semi-final earlier in the day, Mali secured their place in the final with a convincing 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso. Soumaila Fane opened the scoring with a powerful shot from outside the box in the 42nd minute, and Mahamadou Traoré doubled the lead shortly after halftime. Burkina Faso faced a tough defeat, compounded by the expulsions of Ali Koné and Alassana Bagayogo, who received two yellow cards each. Fane’s standout performance earned him the title of man of the match, further highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.
As the evening unfolds, all eyes will be on the El Bachir stadium, where Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire will battle for a spot in the final. Both teams have shown they are capable of greatness, and this match could be a defining moment in the careers of young talents like Baha and Haïdara. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, fans can expect nothing less than a thrilling display of football.
