The Mohammed VI Football Academy under-19 team was crowned champion of the eighth edition of the International Academy Tournament, after winning in the final against the Croatian team Hajduk Split on penalties (4-2), after the original time of the match ended in a goalless draw (0-0), in an exciting match hosted by the academy's fields.
The Moroccan team achieved this crowning thanks to the remarkable brilliance of its goalkeeper, Shoaib Balarouch, who played a decisive role in the final after saving two penalty kicks, giving his team a deserved title in a championship that saw the participation of an elite group of international clubs and academies. The Mohammed VI Academy team recorded an ideal path since the group stage, where it topped the first group after a series of strong victories, starting with a 3-0 victory over Como 1907 of Italy, then over Aspire Academy of Qatar with two goals without a response, before sweeping Rennes of France with four goals to nil. In the quarter-finals, the Moroccan team faced their Leeds United English counterparts, in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw, before securing qualification for their benefit through penalty kicks (4-3), in a confrontation that saw great rivalry until the last moments. In the semi-finals, the academy's cubs continued their brilliance with a clear victory over Fath Union Sport with three goals to nil, to ensure the pass to the final with great confidence and an organized performance. This session, which was hosted by the Mohammed VI Football Academy between April 22 and 26, witnessed the participation of 16 teams from different continents, which enhanced its position as a prominent international appointment dedicated to discovering and refining young talents. Representing Morocco in this edition, alongside the organizing academy, were Fath Union Sport and Renaissance Berkane, in the face of international football schools from Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. The list of participants included prestigious clubs and academies, including Stade Rennais and Monaco of France, Boca Juniors of Argentina, Palmeiras of Brazil, Villarreal of Spain, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest of England, Al Ain of the UAE, Aspire Academy of Qatar, AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands, Como 1907 of Italy, and Hajduk Split of Croatia. This league is an important platform for scouts and prospectors from major clubs, as it represents a real opportunity to discover and closely follow emerging talents, within the framework of a high-level international competition.
