The Confederation of African Football (CAF) stated on its digital platform that Morocco has become a popular name in football thanks to a comprehensive project, long-term planning, and continuous hard work.
In an article entitled “Morocco’s Football Revolution Reaping Rewards“, the Confederation underlines that Moroccan football is recording historic achievements, with the men’s national selection reaching the semi-finals of the Qatar FIFA World Cup, the women’s national team reaching the round of 16 at this year’s Women’s World Cup, the Under-17s reaching the last 16 at the 2023 U-17 World Cup, and the U-23s snatching this year’s U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, and qualifying for the Olympic Games.
The Confederation explained that these “unprecedented” achievements are considered firsts not only for Morocco but also for the African and Arab world, evoking in this regard, the role of Mohammed VI Football Academy which was built in 2009 at the initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and which combines education and sporting development and offers state-of-the-art equipment, with the aim of developing sport at the national level.
“Several talented players have already come from the academy, such as Youssef En-Nesyri, Nayef Aguerd, Hamza Mendyl, Azzedine Ounahi, nine players from the U-17 national team, and six of the women’s team,” stated the article, adding that the Academy become a talent hub for Morocco’s national teams and a key part in their international success.
The Confederation further noted that Morocco’s success in football is also attributed to overseas talent which the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) sought to explore and enlist.
“Thanks to this process, Morocco could count on stars like Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, Nordin Amrabat, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, who ultimately led the Atlas Lions to fourth place at Qatar 2022,” concluded the article.
