Morocco defeated two-time champions Mali 4-2 on penalties after a tense goalless draw in Saturday’s final at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia.
The hosts kept their composure during the shootout, with goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui emerging as the hero by saving two spot-kicks, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans. The tightly contested final brought together two of the tournament’s most consistent sides.
The victory ends Morocco’s long wait for continental success at this level, coming just two years after they finished runners-up to Senegal. For Mali, it was another heartbreak, falling short in their fifth final appearance despite controlling large stretches of the match.
Neither side managed to find the net during regular time, though both created chances in what proved to be a gripping tactical battle.
Morocco’s Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub threatened from distance, while Mali’s Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané remained lively throughout, though their finishing lacked the necessary precision to break the deadlock.
