Nigeria, April 19 -- Morocco etched their name into African football history on Saturday evening, lifting their first-ever CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations trophy after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over two-time champions Mali.

The fiercely contested final at the electric Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia ended goalless in regulation time, but the young Atlas Lions kept their cool from the spot to claim the crown on home soil.

In a battle between two of the tournament's most impressive teams, it was the hosts who emerged triumphant, thanks in no small part to the heroics of goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui.

The shot-stopper made two crucial saves in the shootout to deny Mali and spark wild celebrations across the stadium.

Despite the ab...