U-17 AFCON: Morocco coach Baha hails hard fought victory

Morocco U-17 national team head coach Nabil Baha stated that Thursday's quarterfinal against South Africa at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations was a tough one. The hosts confirmed their place in the semifinal after a 3-1 win.

After the game, Baha said South Africa’s possession-based football made it difficult for his charges during the encounter. “We played against a very tough South African team, one that always has possession. They have shown so far that they are a very good team,” said the former Morocco striker.

He went on to say that the win was hard fought. “We suffered even though we won; we suffered to get this victory. It feels even better because we really gave everything until the very last moment to qualify for this semifinal. Great team—honestly, a great team.”

Baha believed this quarterfinal tie was the hardest game Morocco has gone through. “I think it was the toughest match we have had to play, even though the game against Zambia was difficult. But I told the coach (Khumalo), my colleague, that he really has a great team. But well, my players adapted well. I told them that in football, you can’t always have the ball. Sometimes, matches are won like that. They did it! They knew how to suffer, and the plan worked.”

Morocco will be hoping to reach back-to-back U-17 AFCON finals.