U-17 AFCON
U17 AFCON: Ugbade prepared for tactical battle against Morocco
Nigeria’s head coach Nduka Ugbade says their duel against Morocco in their second Group B match at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday in Constantine will be a massive tactical battle.
The tactician admitted that he is ‘afraid’ of Morocco himself, but notes that his side will fight till the end to clinch three points and move top of the group.
“It is going to be a very tough match and I must admit that I am very afraid of Morocco myself.
“But, we are going for just three things; win, win win,” Ugbade said in Tuesday’s press conference, as he previewed the duel against the Atlas Cubs.
The Maghreb country leads Group B with three points and two goals from their 2-0 victory over South Africa on Match Day One, while the Golden Eaglets are second also with three points, but with only a goal following their opening day 1-0 win over Zambia.
Whoever wins the duel on Wednesday will affirm their place in the last eight and Ugbade says he wants this to be his side.
“Morocco is a very good tactical side. I watched a bit of their match against South Africa and I was impressed with how they played.
“They defend very well and are tactically disciplined and very compact. We are going to see a very big tactical battle,” said the coach.
Forward Tochukwu Ogbabido also anticipates a huge battle for his side, but reckons they are on good confidence to grab a win and take over top of the group.
“Morocco is a really tough opponent and we respect them a lot. They are a good side and we saw this from their game against South Africa.
“We will definitely step up to do our best and try to create victory because it is important for us to advance to the next round,” the Jossy United striker noted.
Meanwhile, coach Ugbade has admitted there were lots of areas of concern for them in their opening game, but they have worked to be better, though he still knows there will be mistakes.
“Of course at this age group there are very many errors you expect from these players, but the most important thing for them is that they keep improving and doing better every game.
“Against Morocco we need to control the game better and also make the best use of our chances,” said the tactician.
At the same time, Nigeria said they are not weighed down with pressure from their favourites tag, but are instead pleased and encouraged to prove themselves on the pitch.
The match kicks off at 17h00 local time at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine.
In one of the most astonishing scorelines in FIFA U-17 World Cup history, Morocco demolished New Caledonia 16-0 to set a new tournament record and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
The Atlas Cubs’ breathtaking display in their final Group B match surpassed Spain’s 13-0 victory over New Zealand — a record that had stood for years — as they relentlessly piled on the goals from start to finish.
New Caledonia’s night turned disastrous early on when Typhan Dreuko and Jean Canehmez were both shown red cards in the first half, leaving the Oceania side with nine men for over an hour. Morocco capitalized mercilessly, turning the match into a goal festival.
Soukrat opened the scoring in the third minute before Oualid Ibn Salah (11’, 18’), Abdelali Eddaoudi (41’, 42’), Hidaoui (44’), Ziyad Baha (45+2’, 50’), El Khalfioui (48’), Nahel Haddani (56’, 59’), Abdellah Ouazane (73’, 90+2’), and Ismail El Aoud (80’, 90’) all found the net. Steevy compounded New Caledonia’s misery with an own goal in the 76th minute.
The result lifted Morocco to third place in Group B, behind Japan and Portugal. They now await confirmation of whether they will progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
Midfielder Abdelali Eddaoudi, who bagged a first-half brace and orchestrated Morocco’s attacking rhythm, was deservedly named Player of the Match.
The emphatic win not only restored Morocco’s confidence after earlier setbacks but also underlined Africa’s growing presence in youth football on the global stage.
With their record-breaking triumph, the Atlas Cubs have etched their names into FIFA U-17 World Cup history — a night of goals that will be remembered for generations.
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The U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco drew a scouting frenzy after nearly 200 club scouts descended on stadiums across the country between March 30 and April 19, hoping to snap up the continent’s next big talent.
In a report published on its official website, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed that many scouts from big European clubs were among the crowd, namely from Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Atlético Madrid. Top African clubs like Wydad, RS Berkane, and Al Ahly also sent talent scouts.
Ex-Ghana international Bernard Kumordzi, now a scout for Genk, was left spotted among the spectators.
“It’s my first U17 AFCON. Honestly, I didn’t expect this level. The set-up, the players, the organisation – top drawer,” said Kumordzi.
He added: “People compare this to past editions, but this one felt different — full of quality and potential. Sure, it can improve, but it’s already a breeding ground for excellence.”
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Morocco were crowned champions of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history after defeating two-time winners Mali 4-2 on penalties following a tense goalless draw in Saturday’s final at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia.
The hosts held their nerve in the shootout with goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui emerging as the hero, saving two spot-kicks to send the home fans into raptures after a tightly contested final between two of the tournament’s most consistent sides.
The win ends Morocco’s long wait for continental glory at this level, just two years after finishing as runners-up to Senegal.
For Mali, it was heartbreak in their fifth final appearance, despite dominating large portions of the match.
Mali thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half through Fané, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for a handball in the build-up.
The North Africans responded by tightening their lines, with central defenders Driss Ait Cheikh and Moncef Zekri repelling Mali’s aggressive transitions.
Despite late pressure and a string of set-pieces from the West Africans, the deadlock remained unbroken at full-time.
Penalty drama seals historic win
In the shootout, Morocco converted all four of their spot-kicks with confidence—Ziyad Baha, Zakari El Khalfioui, Amine Ouahabi and Ilies Belmokhtar all finding the net.
Mali’s Issa Koné and Lamine Keita both saw their efforts saved, handing the title to the jubilant hosts.
Coach Nabil Baha, who guided the young Lions with discipline and defensive rigour throughout the tournament, hailed his players’ composure. Morocco conceded just one goal in the entire competition.
Mali, led by Adama Diefla Diallo, had hoped to secure a third U-17 crown after lifting the trophy in 2015 and 2017. But their dreams were dashed by a well-organised and mentally resilient Moroccan side.
Stalemate in regular time
Neither side managed to find a breakthrough in regulation time, although both had chances in an absorbing tactical contest.
Morocco’s Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub threatened from range while Mali’s Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané were lively throughout, but their final efforts lacked precision.
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