Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has congratulated the country’s U17 national football team for their performance at the U17 AFCON finals in Algeria, following the final game on Friday.
The Atlas Cubs lost the final 2-1 to Senegal, ultimately finishing the competition as runners-up but still securing a spot at the U17 World Cup, set to be held in Brazil later this year.
The King spoke to the team’s coach Said Chiba, offering his “sincere congratulations” to the players and the technical and administrative staff for the performances, said Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP).
He also expressed “pride” in the maturity and discipline of the players, as well as their performances and competitive spirit.
He further called on the players to continue to “honor” Moroccan football, praising the Atlas Cubs’ “firm determination” to represent Morocco in international sporting events, the same outlet added.
The Moroccan team started the competition on a high, finishing top of their group after defeating Nigeria (1-0) and South Africa (2-0), suffering only one defeat at the hands of Zambia.
They then defeated Algeria in the quarter-finals and Mali in the semi-finals, qualifying for the final for the first time in the competition’s history.
Despite the defeat, the team has received praise for their performances, including from Senegal’s coach Saliou Dia.
“We played against a very strong team. Conceding first made the match very difficult but I think we should have been more cautious,” Dia said after the match.
The coach added that the final game was a learning experience for his squad, arguing that they have much to learn and correct for before the World Cup kicks off later in the year.
Morocco’s coach Said Chiba was also named as the competition’s best coach, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) describing him as a “leader” and “mastermind.”
“Our players gave an honorable performance. We thank everyone for their great support, starting with the King who has been our number one fan,” CAF quoted Chiba as saying. We thank the Academies and all the technical centers that prepared these players.”
