U17-AFCON: Morocco takes on Senegal in the final

Morocco will face off Senegal in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final set for May 19 at the Nelson-Mandela stadium in Algiers. The final game will be the most thrilling in the tournament.

The Atlas Cubs made it to the final after beating two-time champion Mali 6-5 on penalties following a goalless draw. The Terenga Cubs qualified for the final after defeating Burkina Faso 5-4 in post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Moroccan goalkeeper Taha Benrhozil was the hero, saving three of eight penalties, enabling Morocco to advance to their first ever U17 Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal also qualified into the final for the first time ever.

The Atlas Cubs showed one of the strongest defenses in the tournament and good tactical organization against the Malians.

“We were patient and very organized and this was the only solution for us to win. We executed our plan really well and these players have demonstrated a lot of tactical discipline beyond their age,” said Moroccan coach Said Chiba.

“I am proud of the players and proud of this team. We have made everyone at home proud and now we hope for one more beautiful story,” Chiba added.

In their first games, Morocco defeated respectively South Africa 2-0 and Nigeria 1-0 to take lead of their group despite their 2-1 loss against Zambia. In the quarter-finals, they knocked out hosts Algeria 3-0 before ousting Mali on penalties to reach the final.