Chiba Proud To Guide Morocco To Maiden U-17 AFCON Final

Said Chiba, the head coach of the Morocco U-17 team, says he is proud to have guided the Atlas Cubs to their first-ever final at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria.

Morocco edged out Mali 6-5 on penalties courtesy of goalkeeper Taha Benrhozil’s heroics after a barren draw in regulation time.

“I am proud of the players and proud of this team," Chiba said.

"We have made everyone at home proud and now we hope for one more beautiful story."

He attributed his side's historic landmark to their tactical discipline which prevented Mali from breaking the deadlock.

“We knew that we were going into a difficult game and we needed to manage it well and to ensure Mali, which is a very high-level team, does not find its rhythm and channels to attack," the gaffer added. 

"We played compact as to how we had planned.

“We were patient and very organized and this was the only solution for us to win. 

"We executed our plan really well and these players have demonstrated a lot of tactical discipline beyond their age.”

Morocco will next face Senegal who also qualified on penalties in the final of the tournament on Friday.