This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Caf
Morocco, host country, continues its impressive course in the African Cup of Nations U-17 CAF Totalnergies 2025, by dominating South Africa 3-1, Thursday evening in Mohammedia and by ensuring a place in the semi-final.
Supported by an enthusiastic audience at the El Bachir stadium, the Atlas lion cubs were effective at the crucial moment. Ziyad Baha offered himself a double, taking advantage of Moroccan domination in the second half, while his team only led 1-0 at the break.
This victory allows Morocco to take a big step towards his dream of winning the title at home, despite a last square which promises to be difficult.
A promising start to the match sets the tone
The hosts were dangerous at the outset. Ismail El Aoud finds the fault in the 13th minute, a shot at close range after a rebound. Pressed by the hosts, South Africa has shown resilience. Neo Bohloko equalized for the Amajimbos in the 54th minute, taking up a specific center from Émile Witbooi. This goal gave hope to visitors, who seemed to recover from the pressure suffered at the start of the match.
Baha reverses the situation
While South Africa began to take its marks, Morocco reacted with determination. Two minutes after equalization, Baha took over the head of El Aoud to restore the advantage in Morocco in the 61st minute.
The striker then offered himself a double, with a new strike full of composure on an in-depth pass from Abdellah Ouazane, a minute later.
Morocco has kept control of the game, repelling the South African assaults thanks to an organized defense and rapid counterattacks.
Chouaib Bellaarouch made two key stops against Oageng Lebesane and Witbooi at the end of the second period, to preserve the Moroccan advantage.
The local public stimulates the Atlas lion cubs
While the weather flowed, the hosts managed the match with unprecedented maturity, thwarting the desperate attempts of South Africa to return to the score.
Baha, El Aoud and Belmokhtar remained a constant threat to counter, while the Moroccan defense absorbed the pressure with composure.
South Africa has made several replacements to energize its attack, but the structure and the physique of Morocco has proven to be too powerful.
With this victory, Morocco becomes the second team to win its qualification for the semi-finals of the competition, joining Burkina Faso, qualified earlier in the day after having crushed Zambia 6-1.
While the tournament enters its decisive phase, the mixture of offensive talent and defensive organization of Morocco makes it a serious pretender to the trophy of this African Cup of Nations U-17 CAF Totalnergies.
