Hosts Morocco delivered a footballing masterclass, dismantling Uganda 5-0 in the curtain-raiser of the 2025 Total Energies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.
It was an early onslaught from the North Africans, with their star performer, Ilies Belmokhtar, breaking the deadlock just three minutes into the contest.
The momentum continued to swing in favor of the home team, as Aït Cheikh doubled the advantage with a clinical header off Abdellah Ouazane’s pinpoint delivery five minutes later.
The nightmare for the Ugandan youngsters deepened in the 23rd minute when a VAR intervention led to a spot-kick for Morocco.
Ziyad Baha, who plies his trade at Real Betis, stepped up confidently to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and stretch the lead to three.
Morocco’s attacking efficiency was on full display as Belmokhtar completed his brace before the half-hour mark, making it a commanding 4-0 before the halftime whistle.
Nabil Baha’s charges dominated proceedings, leaving the Ugandan defense in shambles.
The second half saw Uganda attempting to regroup, but the hosts remained relentless. Substitute El Aoud provided the assist for Baha’s second of the night in the 71st minute, sealing a five-star performance for the North African powerhouses.
Among the notable spectators was Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president, Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim, who witnessed Uganda suffer their worst defeat in the newly expanded AFCON U-17 format.
Leave feedback about this