ALGIERS- The final of the African Cup of Nations under 17 was played this Friday, May 18 in Algeria and it pitted Senegal against Morocco. Despite the opener of the young Moroccan Cadets in this final, it was Senegal who lifted the trophy after overthrowing (2-1) their opponent in the last moments of the match.
If Senegal leaves with the trophy, Morocco has not been unworthy in view of its excellent course throughout this tournament and can also return to the country with its head held high. A great Moroccan team with a rather special touch: the King Mohamed VI Academy. No less than 9 young people from this school founded by the king, including the young goalkeeper, were called up to this selection. The Atlas cubs, who achieved this historic feat at this CAN U17, were trained by the Mohammed VI Football Academy (9 players), AS FAR (5), FUS (4) MAS , Hassania d’Agadir, Ittihad de Tanger and Raja (1 player per club editor’s note). Achieving such feats remains a demonstration of the role played by the authorities at the top and by President Faouzi Lekjaa, for the development of the practice of Moroccan football.
The Mohammed VI Academy was founded in 2009 in Salé, at the instigation of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and remains today a reference on the continent and in the rest of the world. The feat of the national A team, which was able to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, gave confidence and assurance to all the national teams of the Cherifien kingdom, including the women’s teams.
Mohamed LAMINE TOURE
