In the second day of the U17 World Cup, held in Qatar, the Moroccan team suffered a heavy defeat against Portugal (0-6). After their loss to Japan in their opening match, the Atlas Lions once again faltered in Group B.
From the start of the match, the Portuguese superiority was evident. João Aragão opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Anísio Cabral doubled the lead two minutes later (22nd). The Moroccans, overwhelmed in all areas of play, then conceded two more goals from Mateus Mide (29th, 44th pen.).
Upon returning from the break, the ordeal continued for Nabil Baha’s players. José Neto, in fine form, scored twice (46th, 60th), sealing the fate of a one-sided match.
With this heavy defeat, Morocco U17 remains stuck at zero points after two matches and sees its hopes of qualifying for the Round of 16 seriously compromised. Meanwhile, the Portuguese team firmly sits at the top of Group B with six points, ahead of Japan, which was held to a draw by New Caledonia (0-0).
The Lions will attempt to save face in their final outing against New Caledonia, but the mission appears to be largely symbolic.
