CAN U17: Morocco aims for revenge against South Africa
Between Morocco and South Africa, a sporting rivalry has intensified in recent years. In 2022, the Banyana Banyana denied the Atlas Lionesses the continental crown. A few months later, the Bafana Bafana toppled the Atlas Lions during the 2023 AFCON. Two symbolic defeats. Two wounds still open.
This time, it's the U17s' turn to take up the challenge. At home, the young Moroccans are set to face South Africa in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations U17 this Thursday evening. A clash loaded with stakes. But coach Nabil Baha, while acknowledging the pressure of the context, remains reassuring:
I have great appreciation for Moroccan supporters who expect so much from this team, but I try as much as possible not to burden the players with more than they can bear because they, in turn, want to offer a title to Morocco. So we are ready for the confrontation and confident that we will accomplish the mission as planned.
Facing a solid South African team, Morocco will rely on the support of the home crowd to turn the tide. Revenge or repeat? The answer will come this Thursday evening.