Adam Khanouri, midfielder for the Lionceaux de l’Atlas U17 and LOSC, returns, for Le360sport, to the UNAF Tournament which recently ended at home, and the qualification for the CAN in the category.
The Lion Cubs of the Atlas U17 qualified, on Saturday, November 23, for the final phase of the competition which will be held in 2025 in Ivory Coast, finishing vice-champions of the UNAF tournament after their draw against the Algeria (1-1) at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.
“Participating in the UNAF Tournament was a real honor for me. What makes this experience even better is that it took place in Morocco, at home. The organization was incredible, as were the supporters who came to the stadium to encourage us,” says the 16-year-old player, particularly proud to be part of this great generation.
“The team’s desire to win was increased tenfold. I felt it in training. Everyone, even the staff, was at 200%,” adds the young Lille hopeful. “In addition, it allowed us to play against players from other countries, and to finally compete at an international level,” he concludes about this successful experience.
The Lion Cubs had previously beaten Egypt (5-1) and Libya (2-0), and came up against Tunisia (2-2), during this tournament.
Read also: The Atlas Lion Cubs qualify for the CAN U17
Khanouri also pays tribute to the national coach: “coach Nabil Baha is someone who knows how to adapt perfectly to his players. He is a very good coach, capable of being serious when necessary, while knowing how to lighten the atmosphere and laugh with us during free moments. He is close to all the players. The native of Armentières (Hauts-de-France) warmly salutes this outstanding leader of men.
The midfielder is also impatient with the approach of the Ivorian CAN and aims to see the Cubs shine brightly: “this CAN will be an exceptional moment for us and for all the Moroccan people. We have the qualities to go all the way. The team will give everything, fight like lions until the last minute. I am convinced that we are all ready and motivated to accomplish this.”
Adam Khanouri also remembers the great campaign of his predecessors, in 2023 in Algeria and their final against Senegal. “This final is an example for us. We have quality players and talents in all positions, who play in very big European and Moroccan clubs. We still have training courses to be able to prepare well and improve on certain points. Above all, to familiarize ourselves even more between players and staff, because we are a big family,” says the Lille player.
Although he is currently distinguishing himself with the LOSC U17 team, a club he joined 3 years ago, Adam Khanouri started his training in Valenciennes, where he spent three years, before joining Mouscron, in Belgium , for two more years, then one year at Standard de Liège.
His team is currently leading the national championship. “Our goal this year is to be able to do better than last year with the 2007 generation. We unfortunately lost in the final of the French U17 championship,” says the young player with declared ambitions.
