MENA Sports Wrap: Morocco U-17 crowned AFCON champions in first for team

Morocco's U-17 squad capped off a successful run at the African Cup of Nations competition this week after defeating Mali 4-2 on penalties in the final to lift the trophy.

Palestinian footballer Oday Dabbagh was awarded Player of the Match after scoring the winning goal for Aberdeen against Hearts during the Scottish Cup semi-final, securing the Dons' first final in the competition since 2017.

Meanwhile, the female-only Rally Jameel began in Jordan this week and is set to conclude in Saudi Arabia, providing a platform for women drivers from around the world with an opportunity to show their off-road talent.

Morocco's Atlas Cubs victorious as U-17 African champions

Morocco’s U-17s were crowned African champions following a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Mali on Saturday, during the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations final.

The final, held in Mohammedia’s Stade El Bachir, delivered an intense but goalless draw, despite multiple attempts from both sides to break the deadlock.

Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub gave the host nation a glimmer of hope with multiple shots on target, while Mali's Seydou Dembele and Soumaila Fane also tested their rival's defence, but lacked in precision during their delivery.

Mali did have a chance, however, after Fane found the back of the net during the first half - only for VAR to rule out the goal after a successful handball claim.

The match was ultimately decided on penalties, with Morocco’s Belmokhtar, Ziyad Baha, Zakaria El Khalfioui and Amine Ouahbi successfully converting their penalty kicks.

Mali were held off by star goalkeeper Chouaib Belaarouch, who saved spot-kicks from Issa Kone and Lamine Keita.

The match was eventually won by Morocco 4-2 on penalties, giving the North African nation their first-ever title in the competition and confirming their status as one of the continent’s most promising sides, as they capped off an impressive tournament where they beat the likes of South Africa and Ivory Coast.

Palestine forward Dabbagh becomes an Aberdeen hero but future in Scotland 'uncertain'

Palestinian footballer Oday Dabbagh emerged as the hero of Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final between Aberdeen and Hearts, after scoring the winning goal in the final moments of stoppage time, sending his team to the final.

Dabbagh, on loan from Belgian side Charleroi, came off the bench before scoring the stoppage-time winner in the 118th minute, much to the delight of fans after a tense 1-1 draw which saw two Hearts players sent off.

The Dons capitalised on the second Hearts player to be red-carded when the forward fired home to secure a 2-1 victory.

The Palestinian celebrated his goal with a selfie with the club's fans, and was awarded the Player of The Match award afterwards.

Aberdeen will now compete in the Scottish Cup final for the first time since 2017 thanks to the Palestinian's goal and will face Scottish football giants Celtic on Sunday.

Despite his heroics and impressive display with Aberdeen during the latter half of the Scottish Premier League, the Palestinian forward said Sunday might be "his last game" with the Dons.

"Aberdeen have an option [to buy]. I am just focused on scoring and doing my job and we’ll see at the end of the season."

His Charleroi clause includes the option of being officially signed by Aberdeen before his loan spell expires at the end of the season.

Should Aberdeen decide against signing him, Dabbagh will stay with the Belgian side until the summer of 2026.

Women-only off-road rally kicks off in Jordan, Saudi Arabia

The women-only Rally Jameel started on Tuesday with 41 teams from 37 countries taking part and a roster of talented female drivers from around the world competing in one of the region’s most ambitious off-road circuits.

The rally started on Monday in the Jordanian city of Petra and will cross into Saudi Arabia, going through Tabuk, Al-Ula, and Hail, before finishing in Qassim on 26 April.

The rally, spanning five days and covering 1,600 kilometres, will be held beyond Saudi Arabia for the first time in the competition’s history.

Munir Khoja, managing director at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, told Arab News: "The launch of Rally Jameel 2025 in Petra marks a pivotal step in our ambition to elevate women’s motorsport and expand Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global sporting stage."

"As we expand beyond borders, we remain committed to empowering women through world-class sporting opportunities that challenge and inspire, in line with Vision 2030.

"This year’s edition reflects the spirit of exploration, resilience, and cross-cultural connection that has always defined Rally Jameel, and we are extremely proud to support this journey and the incredible women driving it forward."

Among 25 of the participants are returning competitors from previous races, while the rally will see the participation of 20 newcomers.

The rally, organised by Jameel Motorsport, made history in 2022 after becoming the first all-female off-road rally in the Middle East. It has since evolved into a high-profile women’s competition recognised by the FIA Women in Motorsport Committee.