The Moroccan U-20 national football team is gearing up for a pivotal quarter-final encounter against Sierra Leone in the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), currently being held in Egypt. The match is scheduled for next Monday, with kick-off set for 4:00 PM.
This match carries significant weight, as the winner will not only progress to the semi-finals of the continental tournament but also secure qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.
Morocco earned their place in the knockout stage with a strong showing in the group phase, defeating Kenya (3-2) and Tunisia (3-1), and playing to a goalless draw against Nigeria. Despite these positive results, analysts note that the team’s overall performance has yet to fully match the high expectations placed upon them. Their opponents, Sierra Leone, have emerged as a surprise package in the tournament, most notably by defeating hosts Egypt 4-1 in a commanding group stage display—a result that has drawn the attention of international scouts monitoring the competition.
A Flourishing Era for Moroccan Football
Morocco’s U-20 campaign is part of a broader success story across all levels of Moroccan football.
Just last month, the Moroccan U-17 men’s team captured the U-17 AFCON title on home soil, securing their place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, set to be held in Qatar from November 3 to 27, 2025.
Morocco is also preparing to host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup later this year, from October 17 to November 8, 2025. As hosts, the Moroccan U-17 women’s national team will represent the nation in this landmark event.
Meanwhile, the senior national team—the Atlas Lions—continues to build momentum on the global stage, following their historic 2022 World Cup campaign, as they advance in the qualifiers for the next edition of the tournament.
Youth Development and Strategic Planning
This wave of success has largely been attributed to the Moroccan Royal Football Federation’s (FRMF) comprehensive development strategy. A major component of this approach has been the scouting and integration of dual-national players from the Moroccan diaspora in Europe, whose training in competitive environments adds substantial value to the national setup.
The Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé has also become a cornerstone of Morocco’s football development infrastructure, consistently producing high-caliber talent for the national teams.
Nonetheless, conversations continue around improving inclusivity in talent identification. Critics have highlighted the need for expanded scouting programs targeting smaller cities and rural areas, where young talents often go unnoticed. Furthermore, it is acknowledged that a considerable number of players in Morocco’s youth squads are products of European academies.
To address these challenges, the FRMF, in collaboration with the Cherifian Phosphates Office (OCP) Group and private sector partners, launched the National Football Training Fund last summer. This initiative aims to standardize and elevate training centers across the country, with a focus on fostering domestic talent.
Remaining Quarter-Final Fixtures
Elsewhere in the U-20 AFCON quarter-finals, Nigeria will face Senegal, host nation Egypt will clash with Ghana, and South Africa will take on DR Congo.
