“5-Star Hosts: Teen Atlas Lions Demolish Uganda in U-17 AFCON Opening Blitz”

The young Atlas Lions needed just 3 minutes to assert their dominance in a match they controlled from start to finish. 16-year-old sensation Ilies Belmokhtar announced himself as a rising star with a dazzling performance that included 2 clinical goals and Man of the Match honors.

The home side’s attacking efficiency proved devastating with 67% possession in the first half and 4 goals from just 6 shots on target, establishing a commanding 4-0 lead by the 32nd minute.

Driss Ait Cheikh doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 8th minute before Ziyad Baha Abelhadj converted from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute following a VAR review.

The Ugandan Cubs showed improved resilience after the break, limiting the damage for much of the second half. Their best chance came through Simon Wanyama, whose effort was expertly denied by Moroccan goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch.

Any hopes of a Ugandan comeback were extinguished when Ziyad Baha Abelhadj pounced on Ashraf Lukyamuzi’s defensive error to complete his brace and the 5-0 scoreline.

The resounding victory propels Morocco to the top of Group A, establishing them as early tournament favorites. The young Atlas Lions displayed technical prowess and attacking flair that will concern their future opponents as they look to secure qualification for the knockout stages in their next match, while Uganda must regroup quickly to keep their tournament hopes alive.