The Moroccan national team is gearing up for an exciting clash against South Africa in the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations Under-17, hosted in Morocco. After a stellar performance in the group stage, where they topped Group A with 7 points, the young Lions of the Atlas have secured their place in this crucial knockout round.
The match is set to take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 8:00 PM local time in Morocco, which corresponds to 9:00 PM in Egypt. This encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle as both teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals and aim to capture the continental title.
Morocco’s journey to this stage has been impressive, highlighted by their strong group performance. They edged out Zambia on goal difference to secure the top spot, and their success not only advances them to the quarter-finals but also guarantees them a place in the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar this June. This marks a significant milestone for the Moroccan team, as they are among ten African nations set to compete in the tournament, expanding the participant count to 48 teams for the first time.
In the lead-up to the match, players have expressed both excitement and determination. Ahmed Mahhoub, a key player for the Moroccan squad, shared his thoughts on the recent victory against Tanzania, stating, "We are happy to play against Tanzania and to qualify for the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. We fought together like brothers on the pitch, and I thank the fans for their support. Now, we are ready for the next match in the knockout stage." His sentiments reflect the team’s unity and the collective effort that has brought them this far.
Fellow teammate Mansaf Zakri also weighed in on the upcoming challenge, noting, "We started the match in a good way, despite some of the difficulties we faced in the first half. In the second half, our performance improved significantly, and we are proud of what we achieved. We will work on improving certain aspects of our game, and we are proud to qualify for the World Cup." Zakri’s comments highlight the team's resilience and commitment to continuous improvement as they prepare for South Africa.
Idris Ait Al-Sheikh added to the conversation, saying, "We are happy to qualify for the World Cup, but we will leave our match against Tanzania behind us and focus on the tough match against South Africa. We fully understand the responsibility on our shoulders, and our performance was better in the second half against Tanzania thanks to our ability to capitalize on all available opportunities." His perspective emphasizes the importance of staying focused and not dwelling on past successes as they look ahead.
The Moroccan team, under the guidance of coach Nabil Baha, is aiming to replicate the success of their under-23 counterparts, who recently clinched the African Cup of Nations title at the expense of Egypt. The under-17 squad is keen to continue this winning tradition and bring home the trophy, further solidifying Morocco's status as a rising power in African football.
As the match approaches, anticipation builds not just among the players but also among the fans who have passionately supported their team throughout the tournament. The Moroccan supporters have been a vital source of motivation, and the players are eager to deliver a performance worthy of their backing.
In summary, the upcoming quarter-final clash against South Africa is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the young Moroccan team. With their eyes set firmly on the prize, they are determined to overcome the challenges that lie ahead and make their mark on the continental stage. As they prepare for what promises to be an electrifying encounter, fans will be watching closely to see if Morocco can continue their journey towards glory in the African Cup of Nations Under-17.
