U-17 AFCON: Hosts Morocco and Zambia share spoils

Morocco played with ten players for more than twenty minutes but managed to hold Zambia to a goalless draw on the second matchday of the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. The hosts played against a Zambian side that gave them a strong challenge to share the spoils in front of a home crowd.

The cagey affair saw little scoring chances as both nations struggled to create opportunities. The first half was a dull affair with play limited to the middle of the park.

Morocco came the closest to break the deadlock when an intended cross by midfielder Abdellah Ouazane almost curled into the goal. Striker Ziyad Baha headed wide at the far post for the best chance of the first half.

Zambia were better in the second half with their fast breaks and relentless runs towards the box. Nonetheless, the key event that changed the game occurred minutes after the hour mark. Morocco captain Hamza Bouhaddi was red carded for a one footed high tackle. To the surprise of many spectators, the match referee took several minutes consulting VAR before handing out the red card as the match was halted for more than five minutes.

Zambia grew in confidence and tested the hosts through a free kick effort from Robert Banda, but his effort was parried away by Morocco goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch. In the dying moments of the tie Morocco could have snatched a late win but Ilies Belmokhtar squandered a golden opportunity.

Morocco tops Group A with 4 points while Zambia are second with the same point tally. Tanzania is the first nation to be eliminated from the U-17 AFCON after matchday two.

Group A Table (2 matches played)