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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Host nation Morocco continued their impressive run at the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, overpowering South Africa 3-1 on Thursday evening in Mohammedia to secure their place in the semi-finals.

Backed by a passionate home crowd at the Stade El Bachir, the Atlas Cubs were clinical when it mattered most, with Ziyad Baha scoring twice in a dominant second-half display after the teams went into the break with the Moroccans holding a slender 1-0 lead.

The win sees Morocco take a giant step towards their dream of lifting the title on home soil, as they now look ahead to a tough last-four encounter.

Morocco looked dangerous from the outset, with striker Ziyad Baha drawing an early save before Ismail El Aoud found the breakthrough in the 13th minute, smashing home from close range after a rebound.

Despite Morocco’s strong start, South Africa showed resilience. Neo Bohloko brought the Amajimbos level in the 54th minute, rising to head in a pinpoint cross from Emile Witbooi.

The goal sparked brief hope for the visitors, who had grown into the match after weathering early pressure.

Just as South Africa began to settle, Morocco responded with purpose. Within two minutes of the equaliser, Baha latched onto a headed pass from El Aoud to fire Morocco back in front in the 61st minute.

The forward then doubled his tally with another cool finish from Abdellah Ouazane’s through ball a minute later.

From there, Morocco remained in control, repelling South Africa’s advances with organised defending and launching swift counterattacks.

Chouaib Bellaarouch produced two key saves to deny Oageng Lebesane and Witbooi late in the second half, preserving Morocco’s advantage.

Meanwhile, the home crowd continued to spur the Atlas Cubs forward.

As the clock ticked down, the hosts managed the game with maturity beyond their years, frustrating South Africa’s desperate attempts to get back into the tie.

Baha, El Aoud, and Belmokhtar remained a constant threat on the break, while Morocco’s backline absorbed pressure with composure.

South Africa made several substitutions to inject energy into their attack, but Morocco’s structure and physicality proved too much.

With this victory, Morocco becomes the second team to confirm their spot in the semi-finals of the competition, joining Burkina Faso who advanced earlier in the day after thrashing Zambia 6-1.

As the tournament heads into its decisive phase, Morocco’s blend of attacking flair and defensive organisation will make them serious contenders for the U-17 AFCON crown.

-CAF

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