This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Caf
Morocco approaches the African Cup of Nations U-17 Total CAF as one of the major favorites in the competition, with a talented workforce mixing players playing in the country and in Europe. As a host nation, the Atlas lion cubs target a first continental coronation in this category, based on their recent remarkable performances in youth competitions. Supported by an anchored football culture and an upward dynamic on the level of training football, Morocco aims to mark the tournament of its footprint and to win its qualification for the U-17 World Cup of FIFA.
How the team qualified
Qualified as an office as an organizing country, Morocco has nevertheless participated in the UNAF U-17 tournament in Casablanca, where it finished vice-champion. Although he did not win the title, the group posted an impressive offensive power, especially during a brilliant 5-1 victory against Egypt, future winner of the competition. Ziyad Baha has established himself as a key element with three achievements, while Ismail El Aoud made his contribution with two goals, playing a decisive role in the Moroccan course.
Morocco’s winners at CAN U-17
Morocco is gradually asserting itself as a major nation of youth football in Africa, although its appearances in the final phase of the CAN U-17 have been limited. His best result dates back to the 2023 edition, where he reached the final in Algeria before tilling himself against Senegal. This performance opened him the doors of the U-17 World Cup of FIFA in Indonesia, where he wrote a history page by reaching the quarter-finals, before being eliminated by Mali.
Players to follow
Ibrahim Rabbaj (striker) – considered one of Chelsea’s most promising young attackers, Rabbaj has direct involvement in nearly three goals or assists per match, making him a major threat to Morocco’s offensive animation.
Ziyad Baha (attacker)-Clinical striker with a natural instinct for the goal, Baha finished top Moroccan scorer in the UNA U-17 championship with three achievements.
Ismail El Aoud (midfielder)-Valencia midfielder, El Aoud is an essential playmaker, renowned for his technical quality, his composure ball on the foot and his ability to dictate the tempo of the game.
Hamza Bouhadi (defender) – Captain of the team, Bouhadi is a very estimated right side, recognized for its defensive solidity and its leadership qualities.
The coach: Nabil Baha
The team is led by Nabil Baha, a former Moroccan international, who advocates a game based on the possession of the ball and a rigorous defensive organization. Successor of Said Chiba after the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, he led the Atlas lion cubs in second place in the UNAF tournament and now intends to guide Morocco to its first continental title in this category, while securing a second consecutive qualification for the U-17 World Cup.
Ambitions and group analysis
Morocco addresses competition with great ambitions, reinforced by its recent success in Antalya Youth Cup in Türkiye, where it has acquired precious experience in the face of international opponents. Placed in group A, he will find Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia, two East African teams with a fast and dynamic game, as well as a Zambian team renowned for its physical power. With the advantage of the field and a technically successful workforce, Morocco will aim for a convincing group phase to lay the foundations for an ambitious route in the tournament.
