Ilies Belmokhtar, Morocco's breakout star at the U17 AFCON
He made a huge impact with a brace and an outstanding display against Uganda. He is AS Monaco's Moroccan prospect Ilies Belmokhtar.
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Several talented players made their mark on the opening matchday of the group stage at the U17 AFCON, impressing with top-level performances and some stunning goals. Among those rising talents is Ilies Belmokhtar, a 16-year-old Moroccan right winger who tormented the Ugandan defenders from the first whistle.
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Ilies Belmokhtar, a star in the making
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Ilies Belmokhtar is more than just a goalscorer. Against Uganda, the Ivry-sur-Seine native showed off his full range of qualities. Highly technical, always available, with very clear vision and silky passes, and a real team player, the Monaco attacker was outstanding in the U17 AFCON opener. Deservedly, he was named "Man of the Match".
Read also : U17 AFCON: Morocco thrash Uganda in their opening match (video)
Despite his young age, Belmokhtar already has a competitive streak. He is a true competitor, as shown by his comments after the emphatic win over Uganda last Sunday.
"The most important thing is the three points. Without the win, I wouldn't be here. We saw that our opponents didn't dare press us. So we played the way we know how to, applying what we work on in training. We showed what we were capable of, but we won't rest on our laurels. We know what we're worth and what we want", he said.
Ilies Belmokhtar has everything needed to become a very great player. For now, the 16-year-old Moroccan gem still has to confirm his immense talent against Zambia this Thursday at 20:00 GMT in Mohammedia, in the 2nd matchday of the U17 AFCON. Unsurprisingly, he will be the main attacking threat for the young Chipolopolo to watch.
Already an important member of Morocco's U17 side
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Ilies Belmokhtar is a versatile player. He can play as a winger and also as an attacking midfielder. The young Moroccan has enjoyed steady progress. After spells at Vitry ES, AS Orly and CREPS Reims, he joined AS Monaco in July 2023. In his first season with Monaco's U17s, he shone, posting very good numbers: 11 goals in 21 appearances.
Under coach Manu Dos Santos, Ilies Belmokhtar continues to learn his trade. He is on the rise and is currently thriving at the U17 AFCON with Morocco. He is incisive, instinctive, accurate with his crosses and able to make a difference with both feet. He has what it takes to be moved up to AS Monaco's first team and shine at the very highest level. Either way, the Ivry-Sur-Seine native is on the right track.