Zakaria Ouazane scored a goal in each half as Morocco defeated host Algeria 3-0 in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), shocking a packed Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui in Constantine and sending the Atlas Cubs to the FIFA World Cup as Adam Chakir added a third goal late in the game.
Algeria received fantastic support from the Constantine supporters, who packed the stadium to the rafters and shouted at the top of their lungs. However, it was the tactically disciplined Moroccan team that emerged victorious and advanced to the round of eight.
After 28 minutes, Ouazane scored the first goal as he headed Ayman Ennair’s cross into the bottom right corner.
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The latter did well to steal the ball from Younes Badani on the right and then curl in a cross for the lanky Ouazane to nod in.
The North African derby had been a closely fought matchup before to the goal. Algeria’s Shain Chetioui’s looping freekick that went straight into the goalkeeper’s arms was the lone shot that was on target so far.
Prior to scoring, Morocco’s greatest opportunity came in the 20th minute when Chakir sent a shot from about 35 yards out that narrowly missed the crossbar.
After scoring, Morocco played with more assurance, maintaining possession while blocking by moving all over the field. In the 35th minute, they came dangerously close to being caught on the counter.
After the ball was cleared from a corner, it was headed into the path of strike partner Ziad Mohamed by Moselm Anatouf.
Taha Benrhozil of Morocco, who was quick to react and make a strong body move at the edge of the box to block the one-on-one attempt.
Anatouf, who had been kept quiet the entire game, had a chance to score with a shot on the turn just before halftime, but the goalkeeper made a wonderful save.
In the second half, Morocco required just 12 minutes to increase their lead when Abdel Hamid Maali’s sweet pass set up Ouazane for a run between the two central defenders and a low shot for his brace.
Algeria tried to come up with new strategies after falling down by two goals. They substituted forward Djibril Bahlouli for midfielder Younes Benali to liven up the front line.
They were unable to produce much with their star man, though. Abdelhamid AIt Boudlal maintained a tight eye on Anatouf whenever he moved.
With the third goal in the 86th minute, Morocco put the cherry on top and brought the stadium to a dead calm. Chakir shot superbly on the half volley from a cross to the right.
With four minutes remaining in regulation time and an additional five minutes remaining in overtime, the goal put an end to Algeria’s fight as they could saw no chance of winning.