Morocco’s U17 team won the Youth Cup Antalya 2025 today in Turkiye – just a few weeks before the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Atlas Cubs won the friendly tournament after they beat Slovakia 3-1 in the final game. Ali El Filali opened the scoring in the fifth minute, before Moncef Mohamed scored the second 20 minutes later. Ismael Ziani put the game out of reach with a goal in the 53rd minute.
Morocco topped the league-like competition with six points. They lost the opener 1-0 to the Czech Republic, but went on to win 1-0 against Uzbekistan and beat Slovakia in the last fixture.
The Youth Cup Antalya allowed the head coach, Nabil Baha, to put his players to the test. Goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch, from Mohammed VI Academy, stopped two penalties. Amine Amgar, Jacopo Maglia and Ali El Failali also scored points. Baha has now in his squad enough quality-players to call-up for the 2025 AFCON.
Morocco hosts the U17 AFCON from March 30 to April 19. The Atlas Lions will face Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia in the group stage.
After coming so close in 2023 AFCON when they finished runners-up, the hosts now have a big shot at redemption. This time, the Moroccan team will be more determined than ever to win the trophy on their own ground.
