The Atlas Cubs of Morocco knocked host nation Algeria out of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-0 win at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine on Wednesday night.
FULL-TIME! ⏰
2️⃣ goals from Zakaria Ouazane and another from Adam Chakir inspire Morocco to a victory against Algeria ???? #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/A2C0tMGaw3
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 ???? (@CAF_Online) May 10, 2023
The battle between the two North African giants seemed too easy for the Moroccans, as they dominated proceedings from the start.
Forward Zakaria Ouazane put the Atlas Cubs in front with a close-range header in the 28th minute after a long spell of possession from the Group B winners.
The 16-year-old doubled his and Morocco’s tally for the game, three minutes from the hour mark. He latched onto a pinpoint pass from Abdel Hamid Maali before calmly slotting past the Algerian goalkeeper.
Midfield maestro Adam Chakir completed Morocco’s rout four minutes from regulation time. His low strike from the edge of the box was too much for Algeria’s Mastias Hammache.
#U17FWC BOUND ????
Morocco reach the U17 @FIFAWorldCup after confirming their place in the 2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 ???? pic.twitter.com/bUTLTFkSrr
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 ???? (@CAF_Online) May 10, 2023
The win helped the Atlas Cubs progress to the semifinals of the tournament, where they will face the winner of the tie between Mali and Congo.
It also means Said Chiba’s side have booked a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup, joining Senegal, who did the same after defeating South Africa earlier in the day.
