The Moroccan under-17 and under-20 selections will play the UNAF qualifying tournaments for the U17 and U20 Africa Cup of Nations from November 11, the two selections knew their opponents at the end of the draw organized on Tuesday, indicates the FRMF on its website.
During the first day, the U17 national selection will face its Egyptian counterpart on November 11, before returning to Tunisia on the 17th of the same month for the 3rd day.
Counting for the 4th day, the Morocco team will face Libya on November 20, before challenging Algeria on November 23.
Regarding the U20 national selection, it will cross swords with its Egyptian counterpart on November 14, before challenging Tunisia on the 17th of the same month. Morocco will face Algeria on November 20 and Libya on the 23rd of the same month.
The qualifiers for the two categories will take place in the form of a mini-championship with the participation of teams from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya and Egypt. The first two teams in each category will qualify for the final phase of the African Cup of Nations.
Interview with Football Expert: Insights on Moroccan Under-17 and Under-20 Teams in UNAF Qualifiers
Time.news editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the upcoming UNAF qualifying tournaments for the Under-17 and Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. As we know, Morocco’s selections are set to face tough opponents starting November 11th. What are your initial thoughts on the draw, particularly with Morocco facing Egypt first in both categories?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The matchup against Egypt is significant for both the Under-17 and Under-20 teams. Egypt has a rich footballing tradition, and facing them in the opening match sets a high-stakes tone for the tournament. A strong performance against them could really boost Morocco’s confidence moving forward.
Time.news editor: Speaking of confidence, how crucial is the format of this mini-championship for the teams?
Expert: The mini-championship format is critical because it allows for multiple matches against various opponents, which is great for player development. Each team will need to perform consistently across several days, which tests not only their skill but also their endurance and tactical adaptability. The fact that only the top two teams from each category qualify for the finals adds even more pressure, making every match vital.
Time.news editor: Morocco will also challenge Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria in the following matches. How do you see these games shaping up?
Expert: Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria all have competitive youth systems, but Morocco has a strong infrastructure in place, which has paid off in recent years. The match against Tunisia on November 17 will be crucial as they are known for their solid defense. Meanwhile, encounters with Libya and Algeria will be intense rivalries that could go either way. Success in these matches should rely heavily on strategic play and adaptability to opponents’ styles.
Time.news editor: In terms of preparation, what advice would you give to the Moroccan coaching staff and players ahead of these crucial games?
Expert: Preparation is key. I would advise the coaching staff to focus on scouting their opponents—understanding their playing styles and potential weaknesses. For players, maintaining physical fitness and mental resilience is vital. They should also practice set pieces and penalty scenarios, as closely contested matches often come down to those moments. Building team chemistry through training drills and friendly matches would also be beneficial.
Time.news editor: Lastly, what are the broader implications for Moroccan football if these teams succeed in these qualifiers?
Expert: Success in the UNAF qualifiers would signify a stepping stone for Moroccan football at the youth level. It would not only enhance the reputation of Moroccan football internationally but also attract more investment in youth programs. A strong performance can inspire a new generation of players, improving the national team’s depth and future prospects. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of grassroots development and the commitment to nurturing young talent, which is essential for the growth of football in the region.
Time.news editor: Thank you for sharing your insights and expertise with us. We look forward to seeing how the Moroccan teams perform in the upcoming qualifiers!
Expert: My pleasure! I’m excited to watch the tournament unfold and see how these young talents showcase their skills on the Africa Cup stage.