Doha – The much-anticipated AFCON U17 final between Morocco and Mali has been rescheduled from 8 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, a modification that has drawn criticism from Morocco’s head coach Nabil Baha during Thursday’s pre-match press conference in Casablanca.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced the time change on its official website, with broadcaster Arryadia confirming the new schedule on social media. The final will take place at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia on April 19.
“We are ready to play this match at 3 p.m. My players are accustomed to playing at this hour with their clubs. We are prepared for all scenarios,” Baha stated during the press conference. “But when I speak about the match timing, I’m not only talking about the climate, but also about the presence of supporters, who prefer to watch matches in the evening.”
Baha expressed clear disapproval of the schedule change: “We must adapt to all these details. It must be said: we do not agree with this time change because, typically, competition finals are played in the evening. The third-place match will be played at 8 p.m., while the final will take place at 3 p.m. This is a last-minute change.”
No official reason has been provided by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the five-hour advancement of the kick-off time, which has also provoked reactions from Moroccan supporters on social media platforms.
The FRMF announced that ticket sales for the final continue online through the platform www.webook.com, encouraging fans “to purchase tickets promptly to attend this continental event under the best conditions.”
Despite the scheduling controversy, Baha remains focused on the match itself: “To manage the pressure, I will tell my players to enjoy playing this final, to analyze what was done in previous matches against Mali, to identify their weaknesses and improve on ours. Even if matches are not alike, the philosophy of Malian football often remains the same.”
The Moroccan U17 team qualified for the final after defeating Ivory Coast in the semifinals (0-0, 4-3 on penalties), while Mali secured their spot by beating Burkina Faso 2-0.
Addressing the pressure of playing a continental final at home, Baha acknowledged: “It’s true that there’s certain pressure because we’re playing at home and the public expects a victory in this final, but we are prepared for that. The players are motivated and really want to play this match as quickly as possible.”
During Thursday’s press conference, Baha also spoke about his team’s determination to make history: “There are several factors that come into play in a match as important as a CAN final, but the players are motivated and they want to enter the history of Moroccan football.”
“We have prepared well to face Mali in a match that will be played on details, such as physical freshness,” he added, noting that “there is certain pressure on us because the public is waiting for this final and especially the continental title.”
As finalists in the previous edition, Morocco’s U17 team aims to win the competition this time and advance to the World Cup, scheduled in Qatar, as African champions.
Mali’s coach, Adama Diallo, also addressed the media: “Playing the final is one thing, winning it is another. This is an important match for us and we will give everything to secure victory.”
The AFCON U17 final between Morocco and Mali will take place on Saturday, April 19, at 3 p.m. at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.
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