The Moroccan national under-17 football team will play its final card tomorrow, Sunday, against New Caledonia at Aspire Zone Stadium 1 in Doha, as part of the third and final round of Group B matches in the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Qatar.
After two consecutive losses against Japan (0-2) and Portugal (0-6), coach Nabil Bahra’s squad has no option but to secure three points with a significant goal margin, while hoping for favorable results from other groups to advance to the next round.
The task appears daunting but not impossible for the Atlas Cubs, who must give their all in this match to save face in the World Cup in Qatar.
The players, alongside captain Abdallah Wazan, face New Caledonia, which defied predictions with a goalless draw against Japan, viewed as a victory in hopes of qualifying among the top eight third-placed teams in the next round.
In light of this challenge, national coach Nabil Bahra must motivate his players to overcome the defeat against Portugal and approach this crucial match with composure and realism.
For the Atlas Lions, this match represents their last chance to remain in the tournament, as a draw or a loss would mean early elimination from the World Cup. Meanwhile, Portugal, which has officially qualified for the Round of 16 alongside Argentina, Italy, Brazil, and Zambia, will play a match of no significance against Japan on the same day. The tournament features 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with each team playing three matches in a single group stage.
The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will qualify for the next round.
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