2025 FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup: Morocco see off Mali with a 3-2 victory to reach quarter-final

Morocco’s U-17 national team booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar after a spirited 3-2 victory over Mali in the Round of 16.

The win marks their first appearance in the last eight since 2013 and sets up a high-profile clash with Brazil.

The game, played at Aspire Academy Pitch 7, carried extra weight as it was a repeat of the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations final.

This time, Morocco showed greater composure and sharper finishing, especially in the crucial moments of the second half.

Morocco struck first in the 29th minute through Ziyad Baha, but the lead did not last into the break. Mali equalised from the spot in the final seconds of first-half stoppage time when Ndjicoura Bomba coolly converted a penalty.

The Atlas Cubs responded almost immediately, with Ismail El Aoud restoring the advantage deep into added time before halftime.

El Aoud extended the lead further in the 66th minute, finishing off a swift Moroccan attack that displayed the team’s confidence and hunger. Mali pushed late in search of a comeback and pulled one back through Berthe in the 90+4 minute, but Morocco stayed disciplined to close out the match.

Although Mali enjoyed more possession and created more corner situations, Morocco proved more efficient in front of goal. Their precision in attack and resilience under pressure made the difference on a night when both teams produced high-intensity football.

The Atlas Cubs enter the quarter-finals after a record-breaking 16-0 win over New Caledonia in the group stage and a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the USA.

Morocco will now face Brazil in the quarter-final in what will be a very tough contest.