David GOMBE
Host nation Morocco made a brilliant start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations U-17 tournament with a 5-0 thrashing of Uganda in the opening game on Sunday night in Mohammedia.
In the third minute of the contest, Ilies Belmokhtar gave Morocco the lead before Driss Ait Chiekh doubled their advantage.
Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 23rd minute after a VAR review by Nigeria referee Sadou Ali Brahamou.
Ziyad Baha Abedlahadj who features for Real Betis in Spain calmly converted from the spot.
Belmokhtar completed his brace before the halftime breather with a sole effort.
Earlier in the second half, Simon Wanyama nearly pulled one back for the Cubs but was denied a perfect Chouaib Bellaarouch save.
Elvis Torach and Richard Okello also forced Bellaarouch into decent saves.
Ziyad Baha completed the scoring in the 71st minute pouncing on a defensive error by Ashraf Lukyamuzi.
Morocco will face Zambia in their next Group A match on Thursday while Uganda face East African rivals Tanzania.
