Morocco beat Costa Rica to reach U-17 Women’s World Cup knockouts
Morocco reached the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup knockout stage with a controlled 3–1 win over Costa Rica in Rabat on Friday night, a result that also confirmed China PR and Mexico’s progress on a night of decisive group action.
The hosts struck twice before the break through Mayssa Baha and never looked in danger, despite a late consolation for the Ticas.
The start was exactly what the home crowd wanted. With only four minutes gone at the Olympic Stadium Annex Sports Complex Prince Moulay Abdellah, Baha slalomed through defenders and fired against the inside of the post and in to open the scoring.
The forward doubled the lead six minutes from half-time, converting from the penalty spot after Costa Rica goalkeeper Valeria Fernández brought down Sonia Abajiou.
Morocco’s defensive shape nullified Costa Rica’s attempts to rally after the interval.
The game was effectively over 13 minutes from time when a teasing free-kick caused panic in the visiting box and defender Fabiana Alfaro, under pressure, headed into her own net to make it 3–0.
Naima Moya’s crisp left-footed strike in stoppage time gave Costa Rica a consolation, but it could not change the overall picture: the hosts were through and the Ticas were out.
Player of the Match Baha finished with a brace and a performance full of composure and movement that repeatedly stretched the Costa Rican back line.
Afterwards, Morocco’s players and staff hailed the response following two opening defeats that had left them with no margin for error.
“It was a really good match. We deserved the win because we fought hard for it. I’d like to thank the coaching staff for their efforts with us, both mentally and physically,” said goalkeeper Salma Assahl
"The coach told us to play as a team and to stay united no matter the circumstances (after losing the first two matches)."
Head coach Anwar Mghinia praised the group’s resilience and insisted the plan never changed.
“Thanks to God for this achievement, it’s a reward for the players’ efforts, but not much has changed; we played with the same system, the same style, and the same spirit as in the first two matches," Mghinia said in the post match interview.
"The only difference is that we weren’t lucky before, but today we were, thank God. I want to emphasize once again that the spirit and sense of responsibility our players show are truly remarkable, especially given how young they are.
"Congratulations to all of us, to everyone who supported us, to the Moroccan federation, and to the coaching staff.”
Morocco now look ahead to the last-eight draw with momentum restored and home support fully engaged.