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The Moroccan U17 national team secured its place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN U17) on Sunday, along with a spot in the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, following a 3–0 victory over Tanzania on Matchday 3 of Group A.
Ilies Belmokhtar opened the scoring in the 76th minute, before Abdellah Ouazane sealed the win with a quick brace in the 81st and 84th minutes. With this result, Morocco topped Group A with 7 points, edging out Zambia on goal difference. In the other group fixture, played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Zambia defeated Uganda 2–1 with goals from Kelvin Chipelu (20’) and Billy Daka (86’), while Elvis Torach (49’) scored Uganda’s only goal.
Against a tightly defensive Tanzanian side, the Atlas Lion Cubs struggled to find a breakthrough. Despite multiple chances, their efforts fell short in the first half. The closest opportunity came when Ziyad Baha dribbled past the defenders and faced the goalkeeper one-on-one in the 10th minute, but failed to convert.
Tanzania came close to surprising the Moroccan defense when Abel Samson broke into the box after a long ball, but his cross-shot went wide under pressure from goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch and defender Nassim El Massoudi.
After halftime, the Moroccan team increased their intensity and created more danger up front, though a lack of composure often hindered their finishing.
Persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Belmokhtar headed in a cross from Ouazane. Just six minutes later, the duo reversed roles, with Ouazane scoring from Belmokhtar’s cross. The Moroccan striker struck again moments later with a superbly taken free kick in the 84th minute, sealing the 3–0 victory.
Twelve teams, divided into four groups, are competing for the title in this tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U17 World Cup later this year in Qatar.
The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals and automatically qualify for the World Cup. The final two qualification spots will be determined via playoffs between the third-place finishers in the group stage.
