U17 AFCON: Morocco target their first title, Mali their 3rd trophy
U17 AFCON: a finely balanced final between Morocco and Mali. The Atlas Cubs want their first title; the Malians are seeking their third.
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The end is already here: U17 AFCON concludes on Saturday 19 April. Morocco, the hosts and beaten finalists in the previous edition, will seek their first title at last. The Atlas Cubs will draw confidence from their impressive run so far.
The Moroccans will also rely on their defensive solidity in their bid to win U17 AFCON. Goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch has conceded just one goal in 5 games, in the quarter-final against South Africa (3-1). Their attack has also excelled, scoring 12 goals already. Still unbeaten (2 wins and 1 draw in the group stage, followed by wins in the quarter-finals and semi-finals), Nabil Baha's side head towards their moment of destiny with confidence.
Mali have more experience
The task nevertheless promises to be far from easy. Mali are specialists at youth level. Two-time U17 AFCON winners (2015 and 2017), the Aiglons also finished 2nd in 1997. They have substantial experience to draw on in the hope of making the difference.
Mali coach Adama Diefla Diallo and his players will, however, have to contend with a hostile atmosphere in a stadium that will clearly be behind Morocco. The final kicks off at 14:00 GMT.