Morocco U17 Profile

Morocco enters the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the tournament favorites, boasting a talented squad mixed with domestic and European-based players.

As hosts, they will be aiming to secure their first-ever U-17 AFCON title, building on their impressive performances in recent youth competitions.

With a strong footballing culture and growing success at the youth level, Morocco is determined to make a deep run in the tournament and secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

How They Qualified

Morocco automatically qualified as hosts but still participated in the UNAF U-17 Championship in Casablanca, finishing as runners-up. Despite not winning the title, they showcased their attacking strength, most notably in a resounding 5-1 victory over Egypt, the eventual tournament winners.

Throughout the competition, Ziyad Baha emerged as a key figure, netting three goals, while Ismail El Aoud contributed two goals, playing a crucial role in Morocco’s strong finish.

History in the U-17 AFCON

Morocco has been steadily building its reputation in African youth football, though they have had limited appearances in the U-17 AFCON.

Their best-ever finish came in 2023, when they reached the final in Algeria but fell just short against Senegal in a narrow defeat. That campaign earned them a spot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, where they made history by reaching the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Mali.

Notably, former Fiorentina and Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was once a standout player for Morocco at the U-17 level.

Key Players to Watch

• Ibrahim Rabbaj – One of Chelsea’s most promising young attackers, Rabbaj has been involved in nearly three goals or assists per game, making him a major threat in Morocco’s attacking setup.
• Ziyad Baha – A clinical forward with a natural instinct for goal, Baha finished as Morocco’s top scorer in the UNAF U-17 Championship with three goals.
• Ismail El Aoud – The Valencia midfielder is a key playmaker, renowned for his technical ability, composure on the ball, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game.
• Hamza Bouhadi – The team captain, Bouhadi is a highly-rated
• right-back, known for his defensive solidity and leadership qualities.

Coach & Tactical Approach

Morocco is managed by Nabil Baha, a former international who has instilled a possession-based philosophy combined with a well-structured defensive approach.

Baha, who led Morocco to a second-place finish at the UNAF U-17 Championship, took over from Said Chiba after the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

His task now is to guide Morocco to their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON title and secure back-to-back World Cup qualifications.

Tournament Expectations & Group Analysis

Morocco will enter the tournament with high expectations, bolstered by their recent triumph at the Antalya Youth Cup in Türkiye, where they gained valuable experience against international opposition.

Drawn in Group A, they will face Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia—two East African sides with similar fast-paced playing styles and a Zambian team known for its physicality.

With home advantage and a technically gifted squad, Morocco will be targeting a strong group stage performance to set the stage for a deep tournament run.