Ziyad Baha Targets U17 Africa Cup of Nations title
The 16-year-old, who plays for Spanish side Real Betis, has been a standout performer in the tournament. He scored twice against Uganda in the group stage and added two more in the quarter-final win over South Africa, where he was named man of the match.
Baha is the son of former Morocco international Nabil Baha, who is also on the national team's coaching staff. The teenager says his father has been a key influence on his development.
'I watch his old matches to learn from him,' he said.
Nabil Baha played for clubs in Portugal and Spain during his career and says he is demanding of his son.
'Sometimes I'm tough on him. I want to help him improve his attacking play,' he said.
The striker faced criticism after failing to score in group-stage matches against Zambia and Tanzania, but his father defended him.
'If he wasn't good enough, he wouldn't have been selected. He delivers when it matters. His numbers speak for themselves,' he said.
In the semi-final against Côte d'Ivoire, Baha converted a penalty in the shootout. His father admitted he could not watch the moment.
'I don't enjoy watching players miss penalties, especially when it's my son,' he said.
Born in Málaga in 2009, Baha began his youth career at FUS Rabat before joining Málaga CF and later Real Betis in July 2024 on a three-year deal.
His mother, former model Farah Frabian, was a Miss Morocco judge in 2014. His sister Maïssa is part of Barcelona's academy and represents Morocco at U13 level. Tags: nabil bahau17 afconU17 MoroccoZiyad Baha
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
11 hours ago
- Morocco World
Morocco U20 Coach: ‘We're Ready for Anyone'
Morocco's under-20 national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, says his side are dreaming big ahead of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, despite being drawn into a daunting group alongside Brazil, Mexico, and Spain. In an interview with Ouahbi was optimistic: 'We have a clear playing identity, tactical discipline, and technical quality,' he said. 'The boys showed real promise in the Africa Cup of Nations, even if the final loss to South Africa was painful.' That defeat, he insists, has forged a mentally tougher team. 'It hurt, but it made us stronger,' he added. Ouahbi praised the growth of several players, notably Chamseddine Talbi and Adam Aznou, who are now training with the senior national team. But he was quick to temper expectations. 'We mustn't put pressure on them. Let them grow at their own pace.' Preparation for the tournament has been meticulous. The squad is currently holding training camps in Morocco for home-based Botola players, before heading to Spain and Argentina for a series of friendlies. 'It's all about getting the group ready for the challenge in Chile,' said Ouahbi. He ended with a call to Moroccan supporters: 'Playing in a World Cup is an honour. It's a chance to raise the national flag high and show what the future of Moroccan football looks like.' The FIFA U20 World Cup, to be held in Chile this year, brings together the world's top youth sides. Morocco will be making only their third appearance, having last qualified in 2005. The tournament, seen as a football fest for emerging talent, has previously launched the careers of global stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, Vinicius Jr, and Paul Pogba. Tags: afconAtlas CubsMoroccoouahbiU20 World Cup
Ya Biladi
17 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan youth talents Abdellah and Zakaria Ouazane to sign new contracts with Ajax
DR Estimated read time: 1' Moroccan players Abdellah Ouazane and his brother Zakaria are set to sign new contracts with Dutch club Ajax, keeping them at the club despite interest from several top European teams, according to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano. The news follows the expiration of 16-year-old Abdellah Ouazane's previous contract with Ajax on June 20. The young talent had reportedly drawn interest from Real Madrid, but the Spanish club reportedly withdrew due to medical concerns. Despite this, Ajax remained committed to the player and offered new contracts to both Abdellah and Zakaria, which are expected to be signed next week, according to football media reports. Abdellah Ouazane is a product of the Ajax Academy and plays as a central midfielder for Jong Ajax, the club's reserve team. He also represents Morocco's U17 national team. After choosing to represent Morocco over the Netherlands, he played a key role in leading the team to victory in the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named the tournament's best player. His brother Zakaria Ouazane began his football journey at Hellas Sport and Zeeburgia before joining Ajax's youth academy. Also an international for Morocco at youth level, Zakaria was instrumental in Morocco's run to the final of the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations—earning man of the match honors against Algeria—and later participated in the U17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Ya Biladi
18 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Brahim Diaz turns down Saudi clubs, renews with Real Madrid
As Saudi clubs Neom, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr showed strong interest in Moroccan international Brahim Diaz, the player has reportedly made a firm decision. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 26-year-old attacking midfielder has agreed to all terms of a new contract with Real Madrid, with the deal now close to completion. Despite tempting proposals from abroad, Diaz remained committed to staying with the Spanish giants. Last season, he made 31 La Liga appearances—16 as a starter—scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists. ??? Brahim Diaz turns 26… and his new contract is almost ready, set to be signed. He's already accepted all conditions of the new contract, only wanted Real Madrid. — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2025 Diaz first joined Real Madrid in January 2019 from Manchester City before being loaned to AC Milan from 2020 to 2023, where he enjoyed a successful spell. Upon his return, he has steadily worked his way back into the Real Madrid squad. With a market value estimated at around €40 million, Diaz is widely regarded as one of the most promising Moroccan talents in European football.
