CAN U17: Morocco starts with a Manita!

The talented Moroccan squad made a strong impression in their opening match at the 2025 U17 AFCON by crushing Uganda 5-0 on Sunday night into Monday.

Superior in all aspects of the game, the Atlas Lion Cubs quickly set the pace. The young AS Monaco forward Ilies Belmokhtar particularly stood out with a double and a high-level performance.

In just the 3rd minute, the unstoppable Belmokhtar opened the scoring with a header from a precise cross by Abdellah Ouazane (Ajax), validated after a VAR review.

Soon after, Zakari El Khalfioui (Ajaccio) provided a perfect ball to Driss Aït Chiekh for a second header goal (8th minute).

The Moroccan festival continued with a penalty converted by Ziyad Baha (Betis) in the 24th minute, following a foul on Belmokhtar.

In the spotlight, the Monaco striker then struck again, scoring his second goal by outmaneuvering his direct defender before beating the opposing goalkeeper (4-0, 32nd minute).

Masterful management by the young Lion Cubs

In the second half, the Moroccans managed their lead with poise. Baha sealed the score in the 71st minute, taking advantage of a mistake by the Ugandan goalkeeper on a Belmokhtar free kick.

Coach Nabil Baha then used this comfortable lead to give playing time to substitutes, including promising talents Ibrahim Rabbaj (Chelsea) and Adam Alioui (OL).

This resounding victory allows Morocco to take the lead in Group A. They will now look to secure their qualification on Thursday against Zambia, while Uganda will try to bounce back against Tanzania.

Amine Jomni |

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African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.