FIFA U-17: Morocco thrash New Caledonia 16-0, set new world record

Femi Fabunmi

Morocco’s U17 team made a sensational statement on the global stage, overwhelming New Caledonia 16-0 in the U17 World Cup on Sunday.

Having suffered defeats against Portugal (0-6) and Japan (0-2), the Atlas Lions were on the verge of elimination and needed a remarkable win to stay in the tournament.

With 48 teams competing and only the top eight third-placed teams advancing, Morocco faced a do-or-die scenario.

Meanwhile, New Caledonia had previously stunned Japan with a 0-0 draw.

Morocco opened the scoring early through Bilal Soukrat in the 3rd minute, followed by two quick goals from Oualid Ibn Salah in the 11th and 18th minutes.

The match took a dramatic turn when two New Caledonian players were sent off by the 29th minute, leaving their team with nine players.

By halftime, Morocco had already surged to a 7-0 lead, thanks to Abdelali Eddaoudi (two goals), Ilyas Hidaoui, and Ziyad Baha.

The onslaught continued in the second half, with Nahel Haddani scoring twice, while Zakari El Khalfioui, Abdellah Ouazane (two), and Ismail El Aoud (two) added to the tally.

With this extraordinary victory, Morocco secured third place in their group with 3 points and a +8 goal difference, clinching a place in the round of 16 in dramatic fashion.