FIFA U-17 World Cup: Morocco advances to round of 16 after penalty shootout win over United States

Morocco’s under-17 national team booked a place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup unfolding in Qatar after defeating on Friday the United States in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw in regular time.

The U.S. took the lead in the 21st minute when Moroccan defender Ilyas Hidaoui inadvertently scored an own goal. The Americans dominated much of the first half and went into halftime ahead 1-0.

The U.S. had a chance to double the lead in the 58th minute after being awarded a penalty, but Albert missed the target.

Morocco equalized late in the match, with Abdellah Ouzzane scoring in the 89th minute after an impressive individual effort that revived the team’s hopes.

During the penalty shootout, the national team’s goalkeeper, Chouaib Bellaarouch, distinguished himself by saving the second and fifth American attempts, securing Morocco’s place in the Round of 16.