Latest news with #U17AfricaCupofNations
Morocco World
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Zekri Set for Ajax Switch After U17 AFCON Heroics
Moroccan starlet Moncef Zekri is on the verge of signing his first professional contract with Ajax Amsterdam, capping off a breakout year for the highly-rated left-back. Zekri, 16, caught the eye of European scouts during Morocco's historic triumph at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Atlas Cubs clinched their first title after beating Mali on penalties. The youngster played every minute of the tournament and was named in CAF's Team of the Tournament. According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International , Zekri has opted for Ajax despite serious interest from Bayer Leverkusen and the chance to stay with his current club KV Mechelen. Sources close to Zekri say Ajax's reputation for nurturing young talent and its Moroccan presence tilted the decision. Moncef Zekri (16) on his way to Ajax, reports @VI_nl The 16-year-old Moncef Zekri, winner of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco, wants to continue his career at Ajax. The talented left-back could have also chosen Bayer Leverkusen or signed a professional contract with… — 𝗠𝗩𝗡_𝗘𝗡 | 🇲🇦 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 (@MVN_EN) May 3, 2025 Zekri is expected to join Ajax on a free transfer as he is not currently under a professional contract. The U17 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco from March 30 to April 19, attracted scouts from across the footballing world. According to CAF, over 200 club representatives attended matches, including scouts from Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Morocco's title run put the spotlight on several young talents, five of whom, including Zekri, were named in the tournament's Best XI. The final, played against Mali, ended goalless in regular time, before Morocco held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties. Goalkeeper Chouaib Belaarouch made two crucial saves, securing a historic first African trophy for the Atlas Cubs. Tags: Moncef ZekriMoroccou17 afcon
CAF
18-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON: Morocco on the Brink of a Historic Leap
On Saturday, Morocco will be playing for more than just the final of the TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations. They'll be playing for history. In front of their home crowd, in a buzzing El Bachir Stadium. Unlucky finalists in 2023 against Senegal (2-1), Nabil Baha's squad now have a chance for a moment of glory. This time, the stage is set at home. 'It's a moment we've been preparing for a long time,' Baha admits. 'Playing in an Africa Cup final is every coach's, player's, and supporter's dream. And playing it at home, in front of your people, makes it even more powerful. In his players' eyes, the former Moroccan international sees determination—the look of those who know they have a date with history. 'Of course there's pressure, because we're at home. But the boys are motivated, they want to go and get this victory. We'll face Mali with respect, but without fear.' A Legacy Embraced Baha has never claimed to be a saviour. He knows where he came from, and above all, what he is building upon. Taking over the team after Saïd Chiba—who led them to the final in the 2023 edition—Baha has always made it clear that his work is a continuation. 'Saïd did remarkable work. He built a solid group and laid the foundations for a competitive team. What we're experiencing today is also thanks to him. It's important to acknowledge that.' The new head coach hasn't brought about a revolution. He has fine-tuned, structured, and reinforced. Under his guidance, the Atlas Cubs have become more defensively disciplined, without losing their attacking edge. A Final to Experience—and to Win Morocco hasn't had an easy ride in the competition. In the semi-final against a tenacious Cote d'Ivoire side (0-0, 4-3 on penalties), they had to dig deep. 'That match forged us. It showed we can suffer and bounce back. It also proved we're mentally ready for this kind of battle.' Though many scenarios are possible, Baha and his staff have considered them all—scoring early, defending a lead, coming back from behind, going to penalties. 'We've prepared for every possibility. Finals like this are decided on the smallest details—on freshness, on the moment. Our players are ready.' And when asked what winning a continental title at home would mean, the coach doesn't hide his emotion: 'It would be a tremendous honour. A source of pride for me, for my staff, for everyone who worked behind the scenes. But above all, for these young players, who deserve to make history.' In Mohammedia, it won't just be about playing a final. It will be about winning it. To close a chapter. To honour a legacy. And above all, to open a new, golden chapter in Moroccan football.
Morocco World
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco Seal World Cup Spot With Win Over Tanzania
Morocco's U17 side secured qualification for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar with a 3-0 victory over Tanzania in their final group match at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The game started a bit cagey and the Atlas Cubs left it late to crack the Tanzanians open and crash them out of the competition. Once Ilyass Belmakhtar broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, the floodgates opened. Abdellah Ouazzane added two more — including a stunning free-kick — to wrap up the win and top spot in Group A with seven points. The result confirms Morocco's place in the quarter-finals, where they will meet South Africa on Thursday, but more importantly, it guarantees them a seat at the table for the U17 World Cup in Qatar this year which runs from November 3 to 27. Morocco U17 head coach Nabil Baha says he is 'full of confidence' in his team in the post-match press conference. 'We've played solid matches — against Uganda, Zambia, and now Tanzania. What matters most is we haven't conceded a goal.' Baha said he urged his players at half-time to raise their intensity. 'I told them to give more. They understood. Today they ran over 10km, compared to 7km in the last match. When we outrun the opponent, we create chances.' 'We have players who can make the difference. And we're defensively strong, which gives us confidence.' Baha warned against expecting early goals in every game. 'Sometimes young players need to take responsibility. Matches aren't won in the first minute — they last up to 100 minutes.' Tags: 2025 U17 AFCONMoroccoU17 Morocco
Morocco World
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco vs Zambia: When, How to Watch & Score Prediction
Morocco and Zambia go head-to-head today in their second Group A match at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams opened the tournament with emphatic wins and now meet at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia with the first spot on table at stake. Kick-off is at 8 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT) and fans can catch the action live on Arriyadia. Morocco dominated Uganda in their opener, winning 5-0 in front of a moderate home attendance. Ilies Belmokhtar and Driss Aït Chiekh struck early, putting the game beyond Uganda inside ten minutes. Ziyad Baha converted a penalty before Belmokhtar added his second, and Baha rounded off the win in the second half. Head coach Nabil Baha warned his players not to get carried away. 'We told them to forget Uganda. That game is over. Zambia is strong, and we need full focus,' he told FRMF channel after last night's training. Zambia also started well, easing 4-1 past Tanzania. The young Chipolopolo know how to handle the pressure of facing a host nation. They beat Niger in 2015 and edged Morocco 2-1 in their last group-stage meeting in 2023. Score Prediction Morocco's attacking flow and juggernaut is expected to have the upper-hand and will test Zambia's defense but the visitors will be lurking, ready to pounce if the opportunity presents itself and strike with fast counters. Verdict: Morocco 2-1 Tanzania Tags: Moroccou17 afconU17 MoroccoZambia
Morocco World
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco U17 Heads to Turkiye for Friendlies
Rabat \u2013 Morocco\u2019s U17 football team is off to Turkiye to play in a friendly tournament from February 10 to 16 against Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Uzbekistan.<\><\> These matches are crucial as the team prepares for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Morocco will host from March 30 to April 19, 2025. Coach Nabil Baha wants his squad sharp and ready to finally get their hands on the title.<\><\> Morocco will host the U17 AFCON in 2025 and 2026, giving them a golden chance to keep the trophy at home. The Atlas Cubs aim to go all the way after finishing as runners-up in 2023 \u2013 their best continental result so far.<\><\> The competition is getting bigger. Sixteen teams will now take part, up from twelve. The top ten teams will also qualify for the U17 World Cup in Qatar later that year.<\><\> During the U17 AFCON in Algeria, Morocco topped their group with solid wins against Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. They then went all the way to the final and lost 2-1 to a strong Senegalese side. But, it was just enough to land them a spot in the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup.<\><\>\>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> Click allow to get notifications on every article we post.
