Baha: 'Our Youngsters Proved They Are Great Players, Elimination Was Painful Due to Refereeing'

Nabil Baha, head coach of the Moroccan U-17 national team, expressed his regret after the 2-1 defeat to Brazil, affirming that the players delivered an excellent performance and showed great fighting spirit despite their elimination from the U-17 World Cup.

Speaking to Qatar's Al Kass channel, Baha said: "Honestly, it was very difficult to lose this match today in this manner due to a refereeing decision. It wasn't a major scandal, but it's painful because the players managed to equalize."

He continued: "I believe they played beautiful football and showed they are capable of going far in this tournament, and that they possess great mental strength in all matches."

Baha added: "Even after losing two matches in the group stage, they managed to regain their motivation and show intensity and focus in the games, proving they are great players. But this is football; we learn from experience. The match ends when the referee blows the final whistle."

Baha concluded: "I am very happy to have been involved in their development as players, and happy that they were part of my team. I hope that many of them will be able to develop and join the senior national team, and perhaps we will see them in the 2030 World Cup."