The Moroccan U17 team began its 2025 World Cup campaign with a defeat (2-0) against Japan on Monday in Doha, during the first day of Group B. This frustrating setback came despite the Atlas Lions showing promising intentions, particularly in the first half.
From the early minutes, Nabil Baha’s protégés displayed impressive technical mastery and attempted to impose their rhythm. In the 9th minute, Yassine Zekri unleashed a superb shot that was parried decisively by the Japanese goalkeeper. Shortly after, Driss Aït Cheikh (18th minute) saw his attempt go just over the bar, while Abdelali Eddaoudi (19th minute) created a great opportunity, which was stopped just in time by a defender after a successful dribble in the box.
Japan thought they had opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Anthony Motosuna, but his header was rightly disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch. Ismail El Aoud (40th minute) responded for Morocco, taking advantage of a poor control by Ziyad Baha, but his shot was off target. In stoppage time (45+1), a defensive misunderstanding on a corner presented an opportunity to Hiroto Asada, whose shot, fortunately for the Moroccans, completely missed the target. The two teams went into the break with a score of 0-0.
Upon returning from the break, the Japanese were much more incisive. In the 56th minute, Taiga Seguchi opened the scoring with an unstoppable cross-shot, following a beautiful play initiated by Hiroto Asada (1-0). The Lionceaux attempted to respond but lacked precision in the final pass.
In the 75th minute, Minato Yoshida took advantage of a defensive confusion to double the lead, before VAR ruled the goal out for a handball. Morocco then appealed for a penalty (83rd minute) after a controversial action, but to no avail.
In the closing stages, the Moroccans threw all their strength into the battle, leaving spaces behind them. On a quick counter, Hirashima capitalized on an error by Driss Aït Cheikh to score the second goal in stoppage time (90+7).
Despite an encouraging first half and several dangerous situations, the Atlas Lions lacked efficiency and defensive rigor. They will aim to bounce back in their next match to stay in contention for qualification.
