On this occasion, the president of the FRMF, Fouzi Lekjaa read out the message of congratulations addressed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to the members of the national U17 football team, for their exceptional achievement and their qualification for the 2023 World Cup.
HM the King praised, on this occasion, the efforts made by all the components of this promising selection, in particular the players, coaches, technicians and executives and managers of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, for the achievement of this African feat which honors national football in all its categories.
The Sovereign expressed his pride in the remarkable maturity and discipline, the fine performance, the great competitive spirit and the high morality well-established demonstrated by the Atlas Lions during this championship, as well as their firm determination to continue to carry the torch of Moroccan football and to confirm its influence and distinguished presence in the various continental and international events.
In a speech for the occasion, Mr. Lekjaa affirmed that the results obtained by national football are the fruit of the clairvoyance of the proactive action of HM King Mohammed VI, consisting in particular in the creation of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, whose graduates have distinguished themselves in the national teams and several clubs.
The project initiated by the Sovereign constitutes the backbone and basic structure for the development of national football, Mr. Lekjaa stressed, adding that current performances are only a small part of what the future holds for this sport thanks to this strategy.
The official also praised the performance of the players who were the best ambassadors of Morocco, calling for no longer being satisfied with just participating in the various competitions, and aiming for titles.
For his part, the coach of the U17 national team, Said Chiba indicated that the performance of the Moroccan players in Algeria demonstrates that nothing is impossible with work, discipline and collective spirit, adding that the national elements have sent strong messages of fair play, commitment and tolerance.
The results of this participation were positive across the board, in terms of qualification for the next World Cup, an optimal course and a maximum number of matches played, which is positive for the training of this age category, rejoiced Chiba, insisting on the need to capitalize on these results to ensure continuity of performances.
The delegation of the Moroccan U17 selection arrived on Saturday at Rabat-Salé airport.
The Moroccan team reached the final, losing 2-1 to Senegal, after beating Mali in the last four on penalties (6-5), while Senegal eliminated Burkina Faso.
The four semi-finalists of the tournament, namely Morocco, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Mali, have secured their tickets to the final phase of the 2023 World Cup.
2024-08-17 11:25:05