Tonight at 8:00 p.m., Can U-17 / Morocco-Ivory Coast: a place in the final for history
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
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Today at 8:00 p.m. at the El Bachir stadium in Mohammédia, Morocco confronts Côte d’Ivoire for a place in the final of the African Cup of Nations U-17 CAF Totalnergies 2025. The Atlas lion cubs have never won this competition. On their lands, they intend to write a new page in their history. But facing them, stand unpredictable and daring elephants, qualified in the mind against Senegal in quarters. The shock promises.
The pressure, yes. But above all the ambition.
Since their first match in the tournament, young Moroccans have continued to impress. Three victories in as many meetings in the group stage, then a demonstration of force in the quarter-finals against South Africa (3-1). A controlled course, where the collective and the discipline were the watchwords. “The group lives well, it is united and concentrated. We know what we want: win this CAN, “said Elyes Saidi at the pre-match press conference.
But the atmosphere will be electric in Mohammédia. Playing at home, in front of a passionate audience, can be a blessing … or a weight. Nabil Baha, the Moroccan coach, who insisted a lot on the management of emotions, decided to maintain his players in a protective bubble. “I chose Mohammédia as a base camp because it is a quiet city. I wanted them to be immune to solicitations, that they remain focused on their mission, “he said.
A story to write
Morocco has already tasted the final in this competition. It was in 2023, in Algeria, and the lion cubs had stumbled on a more realistic Senegal (2-1). This time, the ambitions are even greater, especially after having qualified for the U-17 World Cup of FIFA, Qatar 2025. But the objective does not stop there. “The quarter -final was important, but now you have to go to the end. We do not play a CAN semi-final every day, ”insists the coach.
The elephant walk
Opposite, Côte d’Ivoire advances without complex. Impressive in the group phase with two large victories against Mali (4-2) and the Central African Republic (6-1), then a solid draw against Angola (0-0), it confirmed its mental solidity by eliminating Senegal, holding from the title, on shots on goal (0-0, 5-3).
A resounding feat that places young Ivorians among the serious contenders for the crown. “We have respect for Morocco, but we did not come to watch,” decided their coach.
The offensive duo Yannis Touati – Alynho Haidara embodies the face of a playful, technical and athletic team. And its rigorous median block, capable of absorbing the pressure before projecting itself, could well cause problems for Moroccan mechanics.
The weight of symbolism
The duel also has a strong symbolism. In January 2024, during the CAN Senior organized in Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco had indirectly allowed elephants to qualify for the eighths by beating Zambia in the last group match. A saving victory for the Ivorians … who then won the tournament. Asked about this possible “debt”, the Moroccan coach sweeps away from a back of hand: “It would be a lack of respect to think that they will make our task easier. I want a real, loyal, committed match between two major teams. »»
And to add firmly: “What they did at home, they deserved it. We also want to deserve our place in the final. »»
A semi-final, two philosophies
This Morocco-Côte d’Ivoire opposes two visions of the game. Morocco is construction, possession, requirement in transitions. Côte d’Ivoire is verticality, percussion, faith in imbalance. Two footballs who observe each other, challenge each other.
But beyond the game, this semi-final is also a celebration of African football of tomorrow. “They are children. They must learn to play, to lose, to win, to get up. This tournament is their school of life, “summarizes the Moroccan coach, who says he is talking to his players” as well as his sons “.
