Winning 16-0, the Asian team also made history with the first-ever 'green card'

U17 Morocco grabbed global attention by defeating New Caledonia 16-0 and simultaneously entered the history books by applying the “green card” for the first time in a FIFA official game.

During the group stage U17 World Cup At the 2025 tournament in Doha (Qatar), U17 Morocco’s coach Abdelhamid Baha made a notable impact by employing the “green card” technology to challenge a controversial red card decision. In the 31st minute, player Jean Canehmez (New Caledonia) was cautioned following his teammate Typhan Dreuko’s red card at the 23rd minute. Baha immediately presented the “green card” - a special appeal rightwithin FIFA’s Football Video Support (FVS) system to request the referee review the incident.

After reviewing the footage via FVS, the referee confirmed Canehmez committed a serious foul and deserved a straight red card. New Caledonia was reduced to 9 players, marking a turning point that completely shifted the match in Morocco’s favor.

Taking advantage of the numerical superiority, U17 Morocco launched relentless attacks. Bilal Soukrat scored in the 3rd minute, followed by Oualid Ibn Salah’s brace at minutes 11 and 18. The African team ended the first half leading 7-0 thanks to consecutive goals from Abdelali Eddaoudi (41’, 43’), Ilyas Hidaoui (44’), and Ziyad Baha (45+2’). Throughout the match, they controlled 73% possession, took 12 shots, and earned 8 corners, while their opponents managed only 2 attempts.

The 16-0 win not only demonstrated Morocco’s overwhelming strength but also marked a significant advancement for the “green card” technology. This tool, tested within the Football Video Support (FVS) system, allows coaches to challenge up to two situations per match, including goals, penalties, red cards, or mistaken identity. If the challenge is successful, the right to further appeals remains intact.

In fact, Morocco pioneered the use of this technology at the U20 level. Last month, coach Mohamed Ouahbi used the “green card” to overturn a penalty against Spain. In the U20 final, he successfully challenged a referee decision again, enabling Yassir Zabiri to score the opener in a 2-0 win.

Now, U17 Morocco continues this innovative spirit. Coach Baha’s intervention with the “green card” not only changed the course of the match but also proved that Moroccan football is leading the way in adapting FIFA’s new technology trends.

Despite the 16-0 triumph, Morocco’s qualification for the knockout stage is not yet guaranteed. They currently have 3 points, and their progress depends on the results from groups C and D. Regardless of the outcome, this victory has etched U17 Morocco’s name into global football history.

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