Morocco U-20 Profile: Atlas Cubs chase second title in Egypt
Morocco arrive at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 as one of the leading contenders to lift the title.
Drawn into a competitive Group B with Nigeria, Tunisia and Kenya, the Atlas Cubs are determined to capitalise on the country's growing youth development reputation.
With their only U-20 title dating back to 1997, Morocco are eager to end a 28-year wait and reaffirm their standing among the continent's elite.
Below is the fill profile:
MOROCCO
Morocco's U-20 team is one of the top candidates to lift the trophy in Egypt.
The Atlas Cubs will be housed in Group B, along with Nigeria, Tunisia and Kenya. Winner of this tournament for the only time in 1997, the Cherifian Kingdom hopes to reconnect with this trophy and thus reward the efforts that the country has made in recent years to become a leader in the training of young footballers on the continent.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
Morocco qualified for the finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations by winning the UNAF zonal tournament held in November 2024 in Egypt.
HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON
Morocco will play in Egypt, its seventh TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. In addition to winning the trophy in 1997, the Atlas Cubs have been quarter-finalists three times. They were also third in 1987 and fourth in 2005.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Naoufel El Hannach – Paris Saint Germain Espoir defender Naoufel El Hannach (18 years old) is one of the key elements of the Moroccan selection. He is a rough defender who also knows how to be valuable during his offensive comebacks, as illustrated by his goal against Libya in the qualifying tournament of the UNAF zone.
Saâd El Haddad – Aged 19, Saâd El Haddad is one of the main figures of the Moroccan attack. With two goals, he finished as the team's top scorer in the UNAF zone qualification tournament. A lot of hopes rest on the shoulders of the Venizia player in Serie A. With his immense talent, he has the means to meet the expectations placed on him.
COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH
Mohammed Ouahbi will be in charge of leading the Moroccan team to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Egypt. The 48-year-old technician appointed head of this selection in March 2022 has only one ambition: to bring the trophy back to Morocco.
To achieve this, the UEFA Pro Licence holder will rely on his philosophy based on ball possession. The former coach of the Anderlecht youth academy in Belgium likes to see his team master the game but at the same time be effective on the offensive side.
TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS
Morocco will arrive in Egypt with the clear intention of bringing the trophy home.
He will be called upon to raise the level in a difficult group where he rubs shoulders with Nigeria, the most successful team of the tournament with seven trophies to its credit, Tunisia and Kenya.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
10 hours ago
- CAF
Survival Showdown: Morocco and Zambia brace for high-stakes CHAN clash
With the group stage clock ticking down, Morocco and Zambia step into Thursday's encounter knowing that only victory will keep their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 dreams alive. At Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, pride, redemption, and a quarter-final lifeline are all on the line. Both sides have endured frustrating starts. For Morocco, a shock defeat to Kenya has left them teetering on the edge. For Zambia, two opening losses have tested their resilience and resolve. But in tournament football, the present matters far more than the past — and on this stage, either team could rewrite their storyline. Grant Calls for Character After Tough Start Zambia coach Avram Grant knows his team is in must-win territory. After losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, his message is simple: respond with belief and intent. 'We didn't want to lose the two games but it is part of the game. We are concentrating in our team not opponents. Sometimes you lose and draw. We will not copy Morocco but play something that is good for us. We respect Morocco and they play good,' he said. Grant, whose experience spans World Cups and continental finals, is demanding a mindset shift. 'There is no perfect game. We created chances but it happens. We will do everything to win tomorrow. We need to have the winning mentality, show the character after the disappointing two losses. We hope the players react well.' A win for the Chipolopolo would not just lift them off the bottom of Group A — it would keep them in the quarter-final conversation, with everything still possible before the group's final day. Sektioui Demands Discipline and Mental Toughness On the opposite bench, Moroccan coach Tarik Sektioui faces his own survival mission. His Atlas Lions, currently fourth in the group, cannot afford another slip-up. 'We have learned the necessary lessons after our defeat against Kenya and we are now focused on a victory against Zambia to take the three points,' he said. Sektioui has spent the days since the Kenya loss tightening tactics and correcting mistakes. 'The most important thing is the lessons we learned from the defeat. We analyzed our performance and corrected the shortcomings observed to meet the challenge of the Zambia match and honor the national flag.' And while the statistics suggest Morocco has the upper hand, the coach refuses to underestimate the challenge. 'It will not be easy because in modern football there are no weak teams anymore, as they all have access to the same techniques and preparation conditions. The only difference is the mindset and the mentality to win.' Zambia's Fragile Right Flank vs. Morocco's Need for Precision Zambia's defensive vulnerability — particularly down the right — has been an open invitation for opponents. Four goals conceded in the tournament have stemmed from this side, a weakness Morocco will be eager to exploit. Players like Youssef Belaamari could play a decisive role if they can combine bold overlapping runs with quick link-up play to unpick the Chipolopolo backline. But Morocco's issue isn't creating opportunities — it's finishing them. Against Kenya, too many passes into the box lacked precision or timing. The wide players will need to stretch Zambia's defence, force errors, and deliver with conviction. Players Aware of the Weight of the Occasion Morocco's Amine Souane says the squad understands what's at stake. 'Preparations for the match against Zambia are going well and the players are aware of the responsibility they have.' For Souane, it's about changing the mindset from the Kenya defeat. 'In the match against Kenya, we lacked the finishing touch, but the defeat is now behind us and we will approach the next match in a different way and with a different mindset to secure a victory.' One Match, Two Destinies The equation is straightforward — win and the dream stays alive, lose and the journey ends prematurely. For Zambia, this is a chance to transform a faltering campaign into one of resilience. For Morocco, it's about reclaiming their identity as a continental force and proving that a stumble doesn't define a tournament. When the whistle blows in Nairobi, the stakes will be clear: one team's survival, one team's heartbreak.
CAF
21 hours ago
- CAF
Mauritania hold off Burkina to reach seven points in CHAN Group B
Mauritania edged a bruising, high-stakes CHAN Group B tie 1-0 against 10-man Burkina Faso in Dar es Salaam, Alassane Diop's first-half penalty enough to settle a contest shaped by a VAR red card and frantic late defending. El Mami Tetah won the decisive spot-kick deep into first-half stoppage time after Kalifa Nikièma tangled with the winger in the area; following a review, Moroccan referee Jelly Chavane pointed to the spot and Diop drove low into the left corner. It crowned a chaotic end to the half that had already seen Abdoulaye Touré dismissed for violent conduct, upgraded to red after another VAR check. The result follows Madagascar's 2-0 win over Central African Republic earlier in the day and lifts Mauritania to seven points from four matches, second behind hosts Tanzania. Burkina Faso remain on three points and, with only one game to play, can no longer catch the top two; their CHAN campaign is effectively over given the standings after Wednesday's action. A half that turned on discipline and video reviews With both sides told this was 'must-win' territory in the pre-match build-up, the opening exchanges were predictably combative. Burkina Faso threatened in a flurry on 14 minutes: Issouf Kaboré and Abdoul Abass Guiro saw efforts blocked before Ousmane Siry's drive was clawed away by Abderrahmane Sarr; Papus Ouattara twice headed off target soon after. Mauritania steadied and carried a growing set-piece threat. Patrick Malo was cautioned for a heavy challenge on Tetah before tempers boiled over: Touré's off-the-ball offence on Moulaye Al Khalil initially drew yellow, then red after review. The Stallions' discipline unravelled again in added time. Issouf Kaboré fouled Tetah on halfway, Nikièma then felled the winger in the box and, after a lengthy VAR check (45+6), Diop did the rest from 12 yards. Stallions rally with 10 men – and hit the post Credit to Issa Balbon's side: a man down, they came out swinging. Patrick Malo forced Sarr into a save from range seconds after the restart and Ladji Brahima Sanou twice kept Burkina in it, tipping over Tetah's angled effort and then getting down smartly to the same player's skidding drive . Mauritania, switched on to manage the game, shuffled the pack: El Mami Tetah made way for Mohamed El Kheir Faraji late on after a busy night of winning free-kicks and shots on target, while Hamady N'Diaye and Moctar El Hacen arrived to shore up midfield legs. Still the danger flickered. Abdoul Baguian met a Mohamed Guira cross with a thumping header that struck the right post, before substitute Papus Ouattara was denied by Sarr at point-blank range . In a frantic finale, Sarr clutched an Abdoul Abass Guiro header low to his right and a swerving long-ranger from Moctar El Hacen drew a flying save from Sanou at the other end. Streetwise Mauritania control the details This was not a night for flowing football. It was a night for timing blocks, buying fouls and concentration at set plays. Nouh El Abd and Soukrana Mheimid defended their box stoutly; Abdallahi Mahmoud's energy knitted Mauritania's 4-1-4-1 together; and the centre-back pair dealt well with aerial traffic as Burkina loaded up late balls. Diop's caution (59) came amid a spiky spell, but Mauritania largely kept their heads while the Stallions' card count grew – Koutiama (62) and Diallo (66) shown yellows before Ouattara was booked in added time (89). What it means The victory moves Mauritania to second on seven points, behind perfect Tanzania on nine. With Madagascar up to four after beating CAR, the Barea are the only side who can still draw level with Mauritania on the final day – but Burkina Faso, marooned on three, can no longer reach the top two in a five-team group. For Artiz López Garai, whose team had scored just once in their first three matches, this was exactly the street-smart performance he demanded – and the moment that may yet carry the Mourabitounes into the last eight. For the Stallions, who struck woodwork and asked late questions despite a man disadvantage for more than 50 minutes, the damage was done by a rash moment and a call confirmed by the monitors.
CAF
a day ago
- CAF
When the underdogs roared: Five biggest shock results in CHAN history
The dust had barely settled in Zanzibar when the football world began to grasp the magnitude of what had just happened. Sudan — a side often regarded as outsiders on the continental stage — had dismantled Nigeria's locally-based Super Eagles 4–0, knocking them out of CHAN PAMOJA 2024 with a game to spare. In one night, they turned the script upside down, leaving pundits searching for explanations and fans replaying the goals in disbelief. It wasn't just the scoreline. It was the manner: disciplined defending, lethal finishing, and a collective unity that rendered Nigeria's pedigree meaningless. Abdel Raouf Yagoub's brace, combined with a Leonard Ngenge own goal and Walieldin Khdir's emphatic penalty, told the story on paper. But the real tale was one of precision, patience, and an underdog refusing to be intimidated. This seismic result will go down as one of the competition's biggest shocks — but it is far from the only one. Since its inception in 2009, the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has specialised in rewriting football's pecking order. With squads made up exclusively of players active in their domestic leagues, the tournament offers the perfect breeding ground for surprise results and unforgettable moments. From finals routs to group-stage ambushes, the underdogs have risen time and again. And just as Sudan's latest victory has carved its place in CHAN folklore, here are five of the most remarkable upsets in the tournament's history. Morocco 4–0 Nigeria – 2018 Final Nigeria came into the 2018 CHAN final in Casablanca with hope, belief, and a solid run of form. Morocco, the host nation, were favourites — but few expected the Atlas Lions to dismantle the Super Eagles with such authority. In a rain-lashed stadium, Morocco's relentless attack tore through Nigeria's defence. Every Moroccan surge forward felt like it could result in a goal, and it often did. The final whistle confirmed a record-breaking 4–0 victory — the largest margin ever seen in a CHAN final — and left Nigeria humbled on one of the biggest nights of their domestic-based football history. Morocco 4–0 Cameroon (Hosts) – 2020 Semi-final Facing a host nation in any tournament is rarely easy. Facing Cameroon in Limbe, with the home crowd roaring, is even harder. Yet Morocco turned what could have been a tense semi-final into another statement performance. The Atlas Lions silenced the Indomitable Lions with pace, accuracy, and a clinical edge that left the stands stunned. By the final whistle, it was another 4–0 scoreline in Morocco's favour — their second such demolition of a major side in CHAN history — and a ticket booked to yet another final. Senegal 3–0 DR Congo – 2022 Group Stage Two-time champions DR Congo arrived at CHAN 2022 as one of the favourites. Their history, depth, and experience made them formidable — but debutants Senegal didn't care for the script. The Teranga Lions, in their first CHAN appearance, played with a fearlessness that DR Congo could not match. From the first whistle to the last, Senegal controlled the pace, carved open the defence, and finished clinically. The 3–0 scoreline wasn't just a win; it was an announcement that Senegal had arrived as a serious force in African domestic football. Sudan 0–3 Madagascar – 2022 Group Stage Madagascar's CHAN debut was a fairy-tale introduction to the tournament. Facing a more experienced Sudan side, the islanders showcased the same spirited energy that had captured hearts at AFCON. Lightning-fast counter-attacks and relentless pressing unsettled Sudan from the outset. The final 3–0 score reflected not just tactical discipline but also the sheer joy and hunger of a team determined to prove they belonged on this stage. Sudan 4–0 Nigeria – 2024 Group Stage And then came Zanzibar, August 2024. Sudan, coached by Ghanaian tactician Kwesi Appiah, produced a performance that will live in CHAN history. From the moment Ngenge's unfortunate own goal broke the deadlock, the Falcons of Jediane grew in confidence. 'CHAN has been one of the best experiences. I don't regret volunteering because it has improved my communication skills, expanded my network, and, in sha Allah, may bring better opportunities.' Yagoub's double either side of half-time, combined with Khdir's penalty, left Nigeria shell-shocked. For the Super Eagles, two matches, zero goals, and elimination was a harsh reality. For Sudan, it was a statement that they could not just compete with Africa's best — they could dominate them. The victory propelled Sudan to the top of Group D alongside holders Senegal, setting up a tantalising final group clash. More than that, it gave CHAN yet another chapter in its long tradition of upsets. From Morocco's ruthless finals to debutants dismantling champions, CHAN has proven one truth time and again: in this competition, reputation counts for nothing once the whistle blows. Every match offers an underdog a chance to write history. Sudan's 4–0 victory over Nigeria will be retold for years to come — and it now sits proudly alongside the greatest shocks the tournament has ever witnessed.
