Four Moroccan Players Named in the All-Star Team of the U17 AFCON Group Stage
Four players from Morocco’s U17 national football team have been selected for the best XI of the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U17, according to a statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released on Wednesday. This makes Morocco the most represented country in this team, featuring Ilies Belmokhtar, Abdellah Ouazane, Driss Ait Cheikh, and goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch.
Ilies Belmokhtar, who scored a brace against Uganda in a commanding 5-0 victory, was named Man of the Match by CAF, finishing the group stage with three goals. Abdellah Ouazane also delivered an outstanding performance, netting two crucial goals during the 3-0 win over Tanzania.
Central defender Driss Ait Cheikh and goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch were also key figures in the Moroccan defense, which maintained a perfect record by not conceding any goals throughout the group stage.
The best XI of the group stage also includes players from other nations: Naim Telmoudi (Tunisia), Alynho Haidara (Ivory Coast), Abdoulaye Latif (Burkina Faso), Issouf Dabo (Burkina Faso), Alpha Mbengue (Senegal), Seydou Dembélé (Mali), and Bokamoso Mokokosi (South Africa).
Morocco finished the group stage at the top of its group with two victories and one draw, setting the stage for an exciting quarterfinal match against South Africa.
