Morocco’s U17 team came back from behind to draw 1–1 with the USA in the Round of 32 and qualify for the Round of 16 at the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 after winning the penalty shoot-out.
Coming off a historic 16-0 win against New Caledonia, Nabil Baha’s Young Atlas Cubs faced a tough test against the USA, winners of Group I and featuring Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert. The Americans had won all three group-stage matches, scoring 4 goals and conceding 1.
The USA scored in the 21st minute. Sullivan’s nice build up play created the chance for Terry J. to finish, giving the Americans the early lead. The first half was intense with an on field altercation and several yellow cards.
إلى دور الثمن النهائي بكل جدارة 💪🏻🇲🇦
𝗧𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝟭𝟲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽#DimaMaghrib pic.twitter.com/ujBRDevqVx
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) November 14, 2025
In the second half the Americans missed a penalty that could have won the game and Morocco were denied a clear penalty of their own. Coach Baha made several substitutions as Morocco pushed for the equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 90th minute when Abdellah Ouzaane scored a Maradona-like goal, leveling the game 1–1 and forcing a penalty shoot-out. Ouazane went off injured but Morocco held their nerve.
In the shoot-out Bellaarouch was the hero, saving 2 penalties including the fiftth one to send Morocco to the Round of 16.
Morocco will now face Mali in the Round of 16 on November 18, after Mali defeated Zambia 3–1 in their Round of 32 match.
