CAF U-17 Nations Cup: Golden Eaglets Absent as Morocco Thrash Uganda in Opener

The TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco, and the host nation made a resounding statement last night with a 5-0 thrashing of Uganda in the tournament’s opening match.

17-year-old Ilies Belmokhtar stole the show with a dazzling display, scoring twice and earning the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.

His brace was the highlight of a dominant team performance that combined controlled ball possession with aggressive attacking intent, leaving the Ugandans chasing shadows throughout the match.

Morocco’s comprehensive victory sends a clear warning to defending champions Senegal, and they now sit top of Group A with a significant goal advantage.

The 2025 edition debuts a brand-new road-like winners’ trophy and serves as the African qualifying round for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, featuring 16 teams divided into four groups.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s U17 Golden Eaglets missed out on the competition after defeating Cote d’Ivoire at the WAFU B tournament in Ghana last year.

This setback disappoints Nigerian football fans, who have gradually become accustomed to their national team’s struggles on the international football scene.

Total Energies CAF U-17 Morocco 2025 Groups:

GROUP A: Morocco (Hosts), Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia

GROUP B: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt

GROUP C: Senegal, Gambia, Somalia, Tunisia

GROUP D: Mali, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic

Read More:

• N’Golo Kanté Donates Multi-million Medical Centre in Mali to Cater to Women and Children
• Non-state Militia Attacks Worsen in Benue and Neighbouring Eha-Amufu, Enugu; Residents Condemn Government Silence

About The Author

Ivo Okeke

author

See author's posts