Atlas Cubs set up heavyweight showdown with Brazil after thriller in the Round of 16
Brazil next: Morocco edge Mali 3–2 in thriller to reach U17 World Cup quarter finals
Morocco booked their place in the FIFA U17 World Cup quarter finals after dramatic 3-2 victory over Mali on Tuesday in one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far.
BaHa opens the scoring
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute, when Ziyad Baha rose brilliantly to head home precise free kick delivery from Moncef Zekri giving the Atlas Cubs well deserved lead.
Chaos before halftime
The first half ended with extraordinary drama.
- In 45+6', Mali equalised through Ndjicoura Bomba who converted from the penalty spot.
- Just five minutes later, in 45+11', Morocco hit back immediately. Another set piece from Zekri found Ismail El Aoud who headed in Morocco’s second of the night.
El Aoud shines again
Morocco continued their momentum after the break. In the 66 minute, Alaoud struck again — this time with superb low finish from the edge of the box — stretching the lead to 3-1 and putting his team firmly in control.
Mali refused to quit and pulled one back in 90+4' through Seydou Dembele but Morocco held on to complete memorable victory.
Brazil awaits
The win sends Morocco into the quarter finals where they will face Brazil in high profile clash.
The Atlas Cubs have now emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise contenders combining set piece efficiency, outstanding defensive discipline and clinical finishing to reach the last eight.
