The Moroccan national team U20 begins this Thursday in Cairo its campaign in the African Cup of Nations, with the ambition to win a second continental title, carried by the victorious momentum of national football, in full ascent on the African and world scenes.
Almost three decades after the 1997 historic coronation under the direction of Rachid Taoussi, the lion cubs dream of reconnecting with glory. And why not imitate their cadets from the U17 team, recent African home champions at home?
Organized from April 27 to May 18 in Egypt, this edition promises to be noted for the men of Mohamed Ouahbi, poured into a particularly tough group B alongside Nigeria, seven -time African champion, Tunisia and Kenya.
Aware of the challenge, the national coach remains confident: “Nigeria is a great nation of African football. Kenya is a solid team. As for Tunisia, she did not lose for two years before losing in front of us during the UNAF tournament. She will want to take revenge ”, He said at a press conference.
Despite the difficulty of the draw, Ouahbi firmly believes in his group: “We respect all the teams, but we fear none. The objective is clear: to be African champions. »»
-In addition to the continental title, a qualification for the U20 World Cup, scheduled for Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025, is also at stake. The four semi-finalists will validate their ticket for the World Cup.
“The ticket for Chile is important, but our priority remains the final victory. We have the means and the talents necessary to achieve it ”says the coach.
With a balanced workforce, combining players trained in Europe and Morocco, the lion cubs approach competition with ambition. Their brilliant victory at the UNAF tournament last November, already in Egypt, testifies to their potential.
Morocco thus participates in its seventh CAN U20. After a coronation in 1997, the lion cubs reached the quarter -finals three times, finished third in 1987 and fourth in 2005.
Their group phase journey will start on May 1 against Kenya, before facing Nigeria on May 4, then Tunisia on May 7 to close this decisive first stage.
