In a highly anticipated match at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Indonesia, Morocco’s U-17 national football team faced off against Ecuador in their second match of the group stage of the FIFA U-17 tournament, unfortunately losing 2-0 after the final score.
After 0-0 at halftime, it was the North African youth who went down in the 62nd minute from a penalty.
Euador’s Michael Bermudez converted it perfectly to give the South Americans the lead.
And during stoppage time, Bermudez capitalised on an error from the Moroccan defence to score Ecuador’s second goal and secure his team’s victory.
The match kicked off with both teams showcasing their skills and determination on the field. Morocco displayed excellent teamwork and controlled possession throughout the game, managing several promising attacks. However, Ecuador’s solid defence proved difficult to break down.
Morocco is in Group A alongside Ecuador, Panama, and the host country, Indonesia.
With the win, Morocco now ranks second in the group with three points, with Ecuador in first with four points and Indonesia in third place with a single point. Panama is in last place with zero points, pending its upcoming game against Indonesia.
The Atlas Lions had won the opening game against Panama 2-0 on November 10, through goals by Saifdine Chlaghmo and Ayman Ennair.
With one match remaining in the group stage, Morocco still has an opportunity to advance to the knockout round.
They will face host nation Indonesia on November 16 to mark the end of the group stage.
Morocco participated in the tournament once before, in 2013, when they reached the round of 16, winning against Croatia and Panama and drawing against Uzbekistan.
During this second participation, the Atlas Lions are hoping to break their previous record, carrying on the momentum established by the senior men’s and women’s teams in their world cups.
Moroccan right-back Naoufel El Hannach emphasised recently that the players are “keen to deliver a good performance during this World Cup.”