Beaten 5-1 by Argentina, Morocco’s women’s U17 national team nonetheless qualified for the round of 16 of the World Cup hosted in Morocco, as one of the four best third-placed teams. Their opponent is yet to be determined.
Morocco’s women’s U17 national team will play in the round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, hosted in Morocco. According to APAnews, the Lionesses of the Atlas secured their ticket among the four best third-placed teams in the group stage, despite a heavy 5-1 defeat to Argentina on 23 October.
With a goal difference of -2 at the end of the group stage, Morocco is officially in the final draw among the tournament’s 16 best nations. This reprieve is made possible by the 16-team format, which qualifies the four best third-placed teams from the six groups.
An up-and-down run
The Moroccans had nevertheless started their campaign in the best possible way. On 17 October, they cruised past New Zealand (4-0).
But what followed was more complicated. On 20 October, the Lionesses went down to Germany (4-2), before suffering a second and heavier defeat against Argentina (5-1) on 23 October. Two setbacks that weakened their position, without eliminating them.
Because the rules of this U17 World Cup give third-placed teams a second chance. With a goal difference of -2, Morocco is one of the four lucky qualifiers. Poland, also through as one of the best third-placed teams, has a goal difference of zero, according to APAnews.
The draw settled on Sunday
With qualification secured, the name of Morocco’s next opponent is still to be determined. The final matches in Groups E and F, scheduled for this Sunday 25 October, will definitively seal the full round-of-16 line-up.
In the meantime, Morocco is savouring a qualification that keeps them in the competition hosted on their own soil. The Lionesses of the Atlas are among the 16 nations still standing at the end of the group stage.
A chance to seize
For Morocco, this reprieve is an opportunity to continue the adventure in front of their home crowd. The two defeats in the group stage, particularly against Argentina, must nonetheless serve as a lesson.
With the round of 16 in their sights, the priority will be to rediscover their solidity after those two setbacks. Their opponent will be known at the end of Sunday’s matches.