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Morocco U17 coach Nabil Baha has voiced his dissatisfaction with the unexpected rescheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN U17) final, in which Morocco will face Mali. Originally set for 8 PM, the match will now kick off at 3 PM on Saturday in Mohammedia.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Thursday, Baha expressed frustration over the sudden change, saying it required careful last-minute adjustments. Still, he reassured that his team is fully prepared for the decisive clash.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not offered any explanation for the schedule change. «Finals are usually played in the evening. What’s strange is that the third-place match is scheduled for 8 PM, while the final is set for 3 PM», Baha told reporters.
Acknowledging the pressure of playing at home, Baha said expectations are high—but so is the team's motivation. «Yes, there’s pressure. We’re playing in front of our own fans, and people expect us to win. But the players are up for the challenge and eager to get on the pitch».
Despite his frustration, Baha made it clear that his team is ready to adapt. «My players are used to playing at this time with their clubs. We’re prepared for every scenario. But my concerns about the schedule aren’t just about the weather—it’s also about fan attendance. Evening matches usually draw larger crowds».
Finalists in the previous edition, Morocco’s U17s are determined to go one step further this time and lift the trophy at home. For Baha, the final is about more than just timing—it’s about seizing the moment.
«There are many factors at play in a match as big as a CAN final, but the players are hungry. They want to make history», he said.
«I’ll tell them to enjoy the moment, learn from our past matches against Mali, analyze their weaknesses, and work on our own», the coach concluded.
