comeback and final for Morocco

On the defensive for most of the match, Morocco won at the end of the suspense against Mali (0-0, 6-5 after shots on goal), this Sunday, May 14 at the Chahid Hamlaoui stadium in Constantine, in the second semi-final of CAN U17 2023 and joined Senegal in the final.

From the start, Morocco had its block low against more athletic Malians. And apart from a few rare situations scratched on set pieces, the Cubs did not worry the double champions of Africa. Indeed, following a free kick, Boudlal was hit in the air by Bourama Koné (23^e), before Mohamed Hamony saw his direct corner deflected by the Malian goalkeeper (26^e).

On the Aiglonnets side, on the other hand, we applied ourselves to circulating the leather (more than 70% possession at half-time). However, precision was lacking in the final pass. The danger came from a free kick, like the direct one rolled up by Ange Martial Tia who stumbled on the crossbar of Benrhozil (31^e). His teammate Ibrahim Diarra had no more success on a strike hitting the stop of the Moroccan goalkeeper (49^e).

IN THE FINAL ✅

Morocco reaches its first final of the #TotalEnegiesAFCONU17 of all time ???? pic.twitter.com/mHBlyi4Oez

— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 ???? – FR (@caf_online_FR) May 14, 2023

Benrhozil, the hero of Morocco

We then witnessed a duel of set pieces. Since in the next ten minutes, it was the midfielder of the Mohammed VI Academy, Adam Chakir, who found the crossbar of Bourama Koné (59^e). The end of the game, however, gave rise to a few scoring opportunities, including a penalty not whistled for the Aiglonnets. On an overflow, Ibrahim Diarra stumbled in the area following a trip from Mohamed Katiba (85^e). But after two long minutes of hesitation and a request from the VAR, the referee did not flinch.

The two teams were therefore opposed in the final penalty shootout, just like Senegal and Burkina Faso in the first semi-final of the competition. With 2 goals behind during this session, Morocco seemed very badly embarked and on the verge of elimination… But it was the moment chosen by Benrhozil to shine! After having already repelled two shots, the Mohammed VI Academy goalkeeper deflected the attempt of left-back Gaoussou Koné and propelled his selection into the final.

Morocco thus won the first confrontation in its history in U17 with Mali and will challenge Senegal in the final on Friday, May 19. Les Aiglonnets will face Burkina Faso for the bronze medal on Thursday 18 May.

Formations of Morocco-Mali

Morocco ???? Morocco

LINEUPS ALERT. ???????? #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 | #MARMLI pic.twitter.com/Wku6MBUNvk

— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 ???? (@CAF_Online) May 14, 2023