Morocco U17 Win Youth Cup Antalya – With Eye for AFCON Glory
Morocco's U17 team won the Youth Cup Antalya 2025 today in Turkiye – just a few weeks before the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Atlas Cubs won the friendly tournament after they beat Slovakia 3-1 in the final game. Ali El Filali opened the scoring in the fifth minute, before Moncef Mohamed scored the second 20 minutes later. Ismael Ziani put the game out of reach with a goal in the 53rd minute.
Morocco topped the league-like competition with six points. They lost the opener 1-0 to the Czech Republic, but went on to win 1-0 against Uzbekistan and Slovakia.
The Youth Cup Antalya allowed the head coach, Nabil Baha, to put his players to the test. Goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch, from Mohammed VI Academy, who stopped two penalties. Amine Amgar, Jacopo Maglia and Ali El Failali also scored points. Baha has in his squad enough quality-players to call-up for the 2025 AFCON.
Morocco hosts the U17 AFCON from March 30 to April 19. The Atlas Lions will face Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia in the group stage.
After coming so close in 2023 AFCON when they finished runners-up, the hosts now have a big shot at redemption. This time, the Moroccan team will be more determined than ever to win the trophy on their own ground.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
Badr Benoun Returns to Raja Casablanca
Moroccan international Badr Benoun has sealed a return to Raja Casablanca, rejoining the club where he made his name after four years away. The 31-year-old defender, a product of Raja's academy, was unveiled on Tuesday through the club's official channels. He returns following stints at Al Ahly in Egypt and Qatar SC, bringing with him valuable experience at the highest level of African and Arab football. Benoun left Raja in 2020 to join Al Ahly, where he helped the Cairo club win the CAF Champions League and featured in over 50 competitive matches. He moved to Qatar SC in 2022, making 15 appearances in his final season before becoming a free agent this summer. Raja have not disclosed the length of Banoun's new deal, but his arrival signals a clear intent by the Casablanca side to rebuild their defensive core ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. With ambitions to challenge on both domestic and continental fronts, Banoun's leadership and experience are expected to play a pivotal role. Benoun was also part of Morocco's historic squad at the 2022 World Cup, where the Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals for the first time. Though he did not feature prominently on the pitch, his inclusion underlines the stature he holds within Moroccan football. Raja are also eyeing further reinforcements. Nigerian midfielder Moses Orkuma, formerly of US Monastir, has arrived in Casablanca ahead of a proposed free transfer. According to Africa Foot , the 29-year-old is expected to undergo a medical before signing a two-year contract. Orkuma, who made 36 appearances for Monastir last season, would become the club's second summer signing after Banoun. Raja's early activity in the market reflects a clear intent to return to the summit of African football. Tags: Badr Banounbotola proRaja Casablanca
Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Morocco World
Diaz Out of Morocco Friendlies But Says ‘This is Home'
Morocco's Brahim Diaz has confirmed he won't feature in the upcoming friendlies against Tunisia and Benin due to fitness concerns – but says he's fully committed to supporting the squad from the sidelines. 'It's been a good year, but a very tough one. I'm happy to be here with the national team. As I've always said, this is our home and our family. I'm just really pleased to be part of it,' the Real Madrid playmaker told the Royal Moroccan Football Federation's website. Despite being ruled out of action due to a muscle injury in his adductor , Diaz says that his presence with the group still matters. 'Unfortunately, I can't play in the two matches, but I'm here to support the team. We feel really comfortable together, and I'm happy to be with the players,' he added. The 25-year-old also spoke about keeping sharp while out of match action. 'Even if you're not playing, when you feel at ease in a place, it makes a huge difference. I'm training, doing fitness work, getting myself ready to be at my best again. We're preparing well and we're really enjoying our time with the squad.' 'So much love and appreciation' Diaz rounded off with a heartfelt message to Moroccan fans, who've flooded him with messages of support. 'Thank you so much to all the fans. I've received so much love and appreciation. It makes me want to give back even more – and I will. I'll do everything I can for you. I love you as much as you love me. Thank you.' Morocco team doctor Christophe Baudot confirmed the news on Tuesday, saying Diaz is continuing treatment at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. 'He won't be ready in time for the Tunisia match,' said Baudot. 'We'll assess his progress ahead of the second game.' Diaz started Madrid's final league match against Real Sociedad but was forced off in the 55th minute. His absence is a blow for Walid Regragui, who is already dealing with several injuries in the squad. Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui, Ghanem Saïss and Chemsdine Talbi are all unavailable, while Abdessamad Ezzalzouli remains a doubt. In response, Regragui has handed a first senior call-up to FAR Rabat midfielder Amine Zahzouh, one of the standout players in Morocco's top flight this season. Zahzouh scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists in 43 appearances, finishing the campaign as the Botola Pro's top playmaker. The 23-year-old was already training with Morocco's local-based national team at Maâmora and joined the senior squad for Tuesday's session. Morocco's upcoming two friendlies in Fez – against Tunisia on June 6 and Benin on June 9 – are part of the build-up to next year's Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. Tags: BeninBrahim DiazMorocco national teamTunisia
Ya Biladi
8 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan surfer Ramzi Boukhiam undergoes surgery after knee injury at Bells Beach
After injuring his knee at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach held in April in Australia, Moroccan surfer Ramzi Boukhiam has undergone surgery and begun the long road to recovery. In an Instagram post shared with his fans and followers on Wednesday, he announced that he had «TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) surgery», a procedure where the bony prominence at the front of the tibia (shin bone) is moved forward and secured in its new position. «After six weeks of waiting, my knee was finally ready for surgery», he wrote, adding, «It ended up being a bit more complicated than expected, but I was ready to face it». Boukhiam, who had the surgery at a sports clinic in Mérignac, France, said his «rehabilitation hasn't started yet, but the road to recovery begins now», promising to share updates along the way. His knee injury happened just after the first-round heat of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, as he was paddling back to shore. «My leg got stuck in the reef and a wave broke right behind me», he explained on Instagram. «Getting a major injury, again, and during a contest I felt so ready for, just breaks me», he sadly shared right after the incident. Boukhiam, who had to withdraw from the event, said the injury hit him hard. «With everything I've already been through, it honestly hits deep».
