Uganda Cubs suffer humiliating 5-0 loss to Morocco in AFCON U-17 opener

2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations
Morocco 5-0 Uganda
Thursday, April 3rd
Uganda vs Tanzania

The Atlas Cubs of Morocco produced a dominant performance to beat the Uganda Cubs 5-0 in the opening match of the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia on Sunday night.

The hosts were led by AS Monaco academy starlet Ilies Belmokhtar, who scored twice to announce himself on the stage of the tournament. He subsequently won Player of the Match after a dazzling display of skills and talent on the night.

The match began with a fast pace, and Uganda found themselves trailing early when Belmokhtar opened the scoring in the 3rd minute.

Morocco doubled their lead just five minutes later, with Aït Cheikh heading in from Abdellah Ouazane’s perfect cross.

A penalty awarded via VAR in the 23rd minute allowed Morocco to increase their lead to 3-0, with Real Betis youngster Ziyad Baha converting swiftly from the spot.

Before halftime, Belmokhtar netted his second goal, giving Morocco a commanding 4-0 advantage.

Uganda came out for the second half with a more disciplined defensive setup, trying to limit Morocco’s relentless attacks.

However, despite improved organization, the Cubs struggled to create many chances. Morocco maintained their pressure, with substitute El Aoud assisting Baha for his second goal in the 71st minute, sealing the 5-0 victory.

Leading the Cubs’ attacking charge is in-form forward James Bogere, who had netted three goals in pre-tournament friendlies but came out unfortunate against the hosts who already look poised to claim high notes in the tourney.

Despite the heavy loss, the Cubs now look ahead to their next match against Tanzania on April 3rd, where a win is crucial to keep their FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification hopes alive.