Morocco U17 national football team defeated on Tuesday Mali 3-2 to advance to the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2025 taking place in Qatar. The Moroccan goals were scored by Ziad Baha (29th minute) and Ismail El Aoud who struck twice (in 56th minute and 66th minute) to give Morocco the lead,while the Malian goals were netted by Raymond Bomba (51st minute on penalty) and Seydou Dembélé (96th minute).
In the quarter-finals,the Atlas Cubs will face Brazil on Friday. The Brazilians booked their place in the quarter-finals after beating France in a penalty shootout (4-3),following a 1-1 draw in regular time.
FIFA’s technical committee named Ismaïl El Aoud player of the match. El Aoud delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament for the Atlas cubs,combining technical precision with physical intensity,the FIFA committee said.
The young forward scored a decisive brace,putting Morocco ahead 2 to 1 just before halftime,then adding the third goal in the 66th minute to seal the victory.
His influence in key moments and composure under pressure made him one of the most impactful players on the field,contributing significantly to what FIFA described as a historic qualification for the Moroccan team.
United News - unews.co.za