In a thrilling quarter-final match of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, the host nation Morocco managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Cameroon, keeping their hopes alive for a successful title defense. The decisive moment of the game came in the 17th minute when Mohamed Habib Zinbi, the talented left-back from Anderlecht, found the back of the net with an expertly executed low shot into the bottom-left corner, demonstrating not only his striking prowess but also the team's capacity to capitalize on crucial chances.
The match took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, where the atmosphere was electric, reflecting the high stakes of the encounter. This victory marks Morocco's third consecutive appearance in the semi-finals of this prestigious tournament, further solidifying their position as a dominant force in youth African football. They will now prepare to face the winner of the upcoming quarter-final clash between Senegal and Mali, scheduled for Thursday.
Both teams had already secured their spots in the FIFA U-17 World Cup by reaching the quarter-finals, but the primary focus remained on claiming the continental title. Throughout the game, Morocco showed remarkable defensive discipline, although they were not as dominant as in previous group-stage matches. Cameroon initiated the contest with a promising chance when Arnold Massokon broke through the Moroccan defense in the 13th minute, but goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi made a crucial save, denying the Indomitable Cubs an early lead.
Morocco's goal shifted the momentum in their favor, but Cameroon fought back valiantly, with Massokon continuing to be a significant threat. Despite several attempts to equalize, including a well-placed header that narrowly missed the post, the Moroccan defense held strong, showcasing their resilience under pressure. As the match progressed, Cameroon intensified their efforts in search of a goal, with multiple long-range shots that either missed the target or were thwarted by a well-organized Moroccan backline.
In the closing stages, Morocco had to exhibit patience and maturity as they absorbed the pressure from Cameroon, managing to protect their slim advantage until the final whistle. For the Cameroonian side, this exit was disappointing given their journey from an initial defeat to Côte d’Ivoire to the knockout stage, highlighting their potential yet also their struggles with composure in the final third. For Morocco, this victory not only demonstrates their ability to adapt and secure results under various circumstances but also keeps alive their dream of lifting the trophy on home soil.
As reported by cafonline.com.
