Latest news with #NabilBaha
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco U17s Set for Canada and Japan Tests in Spain
Morocco's under-17 side will take on Canada and Japan in two friendly matches next week as part of preparations for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year. The Atlas Cubs face Canada on Tuesday, June 3 at 4 p.m. (Moroccan time), before meeting Japan three days later on Friday, June 6 at 12:30 p.m. Both fixtures will be held in Alicante, Spain. The friendlies are part of the national team's build-up to the World Cup, which runs from 3 to 27 November. Morocco were drawn in Group B alongside Japan, New Caledonia and Portugal. Speaking at a conference in Marrakech on Wednesday, head coach Nabil Baha said Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup was an opportunity to unite the country and inspire a winning mentality. 'Hosting the tournament alongside Spain and Portugal is a chance to celebrate our culture and push for more success,' Baha said. He also pointed to recent progress at the youth level, including the U-17s' AFCON performance, the U-20s' World Cup qualification, and the U-23s' place at the Paris Olympics. 'Morocco now enters every competition to win,' Baha added. 'Our aim is clear – to fly the Moroccan flag high on every world stage.' Tags: Moroccou17 afconU17 world cup
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
'No small teams anymore' – Morocco boss wary of tricky U-17 World Cup group
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 Morocco U-17 coach Nabil Baha has described his side's FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 group as 'balanced' but warned that there will be no easy matches when the tournament kicks off in November. The draw, held in Doha on 25 May, placed the North African champions in Group B alongside Japan, Portugal, and New Caledonia. The Atlas Cubs, who lifted the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, now turn their focus to the global stage where expectations have grown. 'We landed in a balanced group. Portugal is a very big football nation, and Japan plays very well,' said Baha. 'New Caledonia, we don't know much about, but nowadays, as they say, there are no small teams in the world.' The 2025 edition of the U-17 World Cup is the biggest in the competition's history, with 48 teams drawn into 12 groups of four. Morocco will kick off their campaign against Asian giants Japan before facing Oceania representatives New Caledonia, and closing their group play against European heavyweights Portugal. For Baha, the ambition is clear — go further than Morocco's quarter-final finish in the last edition held in Indonesia. 'Our goal will be to do better than we did in Indonesia in 2023,' he stated. 'We know it will be very tough, but we have the ability to go very far in this competition, given that we have very good players and won the U-17 Africa Cup.' The Moroccan coach praised his squad's potential and insisted that their continental success should serve as a foundation, not a finish line. 'We showed on our continent that we have a great generation, and now we'll have to work hard and prepare as best we can for this World Cup in order to aim to go as far as possible,' he added. With a blend of tactical discipline, individual talent, and continental pedigree, Morocco's U-17s enter Qatar 2025 with belief. As African champions, the Atlas Cubs will carry the hopes of the region — and their coach is determined to make it count.
Morocco World
20-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Baha Targets World Cup After Morocco Lift Historic U17 AFCON Trophy
Morocco U17 head coach Nabil Baha hailed a 'historic' triumph after his side edged Mali on penalties to win the U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Baha thanked the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), his staff, national team boss Walid Regragui, and his family for their unwavering support. 'I'm proud of the boys, proud of this title,' said Baha. 'The Federation backed us all the way. My family—my wife and kids—stood by me through everything.' Baha, who is in his first major coaching role, called the title a dream start. His son scored Morocco's opening penalty in the shootout. 'As a coach and a father, this is massive,' he said. 'I saw a video of one of the players' dads praying during the shootout. I thought he was praying for his son, but it turned out he was praying for mine – Ziyad. That's the kind of unity we've built in this squad.' Baha never doubted his players despite the fatigue and pressure of a final. He praised goalkeeper Chouaib Belaârouche for his composure and crucial saves throughout the tournament. 'We always believed. I knew we had the edge on penalties with Chouaib in goal,' said Baha. The Morocco coach expects more from this team. He plans a short celebration before shifting focus to the U17 World Cup. 'We'll enjoy this for a week, then we prepare for the World Cup. This squad has ambition. We want to go far,' he said. Baha also praised the overall level of the competition. 'We faced tough sides—Ivory Coast, South Africa. African football keeps growing,' he said. 'Why not see three African teams in a World Cup semi-final one day?' He ended with a message to the fans: 'This win belongs to you. Every family, every city—you all played a part. Thank you. This is your trophy too.' The Atlas Cubs qualified for the U17 FIFA World Cup after progressing to the quarter-finals of the AFCON, alongside Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zambia. The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time and will be held in Qatar from November 3-27. Tags: Moroccou17 afconU17 MoroccoU17 world cup
CAF
19-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ouazane named best player as Morocco sweep awards after historic triumph over Mali
Published: Saturday, 19 April 2025 Morocco dominated the post-match honours after winning their maiden TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations title, with several players and coach Nabil Baha recognised for their standout performances in the tournament held on home soil. Midfield maestro Abdellah Ouazane, who plays for Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam, was named Player of the Tournament. The 16-year-old was instrumental in Morocco's march to the final, dictating play with composure, vision, and tactical intelligence. His ability to control tempo and deliver decisive moments in the midfield earned plaudits from the Technical Study Group. Another standout performer was goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch, who claimed both the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award and the Man of the Match title for the final. The Académie Mohammed VI de Football shot-stopper was a model of consistency throughout the campaign, conceding just one goal in the entire tournament. His heroics in the final included two penalty saves in the shootout against Mali that sealed Morocco's 4-2 win after a goalless draw. The architect of Morocco's success, Nabil Baha, was honoured as Best Coach. The former international led his side with a disciplined defensive strategy and a clear identity of play, guiding the Atlas Cubs to their first-ever continental title. Under Baha, Morocco conceded only once and went unbeaten across the tournament. Despite losing in the final, Mali were awarded the Fair Play Award for their sportsmanship and conduct throughout the competition. Coach Adama Diefla Diallo's side displayed relentless energy and flair, reflecting the strong tradition of Malian youth football. The tournament showcased the best of African youth football, and Morocco's clean sweep of individual awards was a fitting end to a campaign marked by resilience, structure, and tactical maturity. Award Winners – TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON 2025: 🏆 Player of the Tournament : Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco) 🧤 Best Goalkeeper : Chouaib Bellaarouch (Morocco ) 👔 Best Coach : Nabil Baha (Morocco) 🕊️ Fair Play Award : Mali ⭐ Man of the Match – Final: Chouaib Bellaarouch (Morocco)
CAF
19-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON: Morocco vs Mali
The curtain officially falls on the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, 19 April. Morocco, the host nation seeking its very first title, and Mali, the undisputed benchmark in the category, already two-time champions. Two teams, two journeys, two visions of the game. And one trophy to decide it all. Morocco, the Long-Awaited Moment At home, in front of a crowd firmly behind them, Morocco no longer wants to just be a model host. It wants to be crowned champions. Finalists in 2023 against Senegal (2-1), Nabil Baha's squad returned with a single goal: turn frustration into conquest. The path has been solid—sometimes laborious—but always under control. Relying on a nearly impenetrable defensive line (just one goal conceded, against South Africa), the young Lions shine through their discipline and attention to detail. Just like their coach. 'We're here to win, but above all to respect our playing identity,' says a focused and clear-headed Nabil Baha. Mali, Legacy in Motion On the other side, Mali advances with quiet confidence—the kind that comes from experience. Champions in 2015 and 2017, finalists in 1997, the nation is no stranger to this stage. Adama Diefla Diallo, once a behind-the-scenes youth coach, now in the spotlight as head coach, didn't need to reinvent the wheel—he simply carried on a legacy. For the past ten years, the 'Aiglonnets' (Young Eagles) have been a cornerstone of African youth football. As often, they reach the final with a style both explosive and structured. Aggressive in winning the ball back, vertical in transitions, precise in the final third: Mali plays fast, hard, and smart. Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané, elusive and commanding, set the pace. Goalkeeper Lamine Sinaba provides calm at the back. The team, as a unit, is impressive. Two Philosophies, One Throne On one side: control, patience, and collective intelligence. On the other: intensity, rapid transitions, and the ability to turn a game on its head in seconds. Two teams loyal to their roots, unwavering in their principles since the start of the tournament. But it's also a clash of trajectories: Morocco has never won this competition. Mali is aiming for a third star. A win that would cement its supremacy in the age group.
