U-17 AFCON: Morocco’s team had a late comeback to secure victory against Tanzania and finish top of Group A

Sunday's Man of the Match Abdellah Ouazane. Photo Credit: Royal Moroccan Football Federation

Morocco are the winners of Group A at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations following Sunday's 3-0 victory over Tanzania at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia.

The Atlas Lion Cubs got off to a slow start against Tanzania, who were already eliminated following two defeats in their opening two matches. In a first half of few opportunities, Tanzania surprisingly managed to match the hosts.

However, Morocco came alive in the final half hour and finally asserted their superiority. Abdellah Ouazane was the star, setting up the opening goal in the 76th minute when his deflected cross found the head of Ilies Belmokhtar. Belmokhtar then returned the favor with a perfect floated cross for Ouazane to head past the Serengeti Boys goalkeeper.

Ouazane added one more goal with a beautiful curling free kick and Morocco secured first place over Zambia by virtue of goal difference with the teams even on seven points and both qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Uganda finish third and qualify for the playoff featuring third place teams to determine if they join Morocco and Zambia at the World Cup finals in Qatar.

Final Group A Table

	Points
Morocco	7
Zambia	7
Uganda	3
Tanzania	0

• The top two teams qualify for the quarterfinals and the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

• The four third place finishers from all groups qualify for a playoff, from which the two winning teams will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.