Morocco national under-23 football team

Morocco U-23

Nickname(s)	أسود الأطلس (Atlas Lions)
Association	Royal Moroccan Football Federation
Other affiliation	Moroccan National Olympic Committee
Confederation	CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation	UNAF (North Africa)
Head coach	Tarik Sektioui
Captain	Abde Ezzalzouli
Home stadium	Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
FIFA code	MAR
First colours Second colours
First international
Morocco 2–0 Tunisia  (Rabat, Morocco; 6 September 1960)
Biggest win
Morocco 6–0 Malaysia  (Ingolstadt, West Germany; 31 August 1972)  Morocco 6–0 Egypt  (Nantes, France; 8 August 2024)
Biggest defeat
Hungary  6–0 Morocco  (Tokyo, Japan; 11 October 1964) Records for competitive matches only.
Olympic Games
Appearances	8 (first in 1964)
Best result	Bronze medalists (2024[1])
U-23 Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances	2 (first in 2011)
Best result	Champions (2023)
Medal record Olympic Games 2024 Paris Africa Cup of Nations 2023 Morocco 2011 Morocco Islamic Solidarity Games 2005 Saudi Arabia

The Morocco national under-23 football team, also known as the Morocco Olympic football team, represents Morocco in international football competitions in the Olympic Games. The selection is limited to players under the age of 23, except during the Olympic Games where up to three overage players is allowed. The team is controlled by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).

Morocco, a country in North Africa, is known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and unique blend of cultures. Located at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Morocco has been influenced by various civilizations throughout its history. From ancient Berber tribes to modern urban centers, the country remains a fascinating destination with a deep-rooted identity.

The history of Morocco dates back thousands of years to the Berbers, the indigenous people who have inhabited the region for over 4,000 years. The Phoenicians, Romans, and later Arab conquerors all left their mark on Moroccan culture. In the 7th century, Islam was introduced, shaping the country's religious and political landscape. Over time, Morocco became a powerful kingdom, known for its strategic position and thriving trade routes.

During the Middle Ages, Morocco was a major player in regional politics. The Almoravid and Almohad dynasties expanded their rule into Spain and West Africa, spreading Moroccan influence across continents. The city of Marrakech, founded in 1070, became a center of learning, trade, and art. The country's architectural marvels, such as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Kasbah of the Udayas, reflect this golden age of Moroccan civilization.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Morocco faced increasing pressure from European powers, particularly France and Spain. By 1912, the country was divided into French and Spanish protectorates, while Tangier became an international zone. Despite foreign rule, Moroccans preserved their traditions and resisted colonial influence. Nationalist movements grew, leading to Morocco’s independence from France and Spain in 1956 under King Mohammed V.

Modern Morocco is a blend of ancient traditions and rapid development. Cities like Casablanca and Rabat showcase the nation’s modernization, with skyscrapers, high-speed trains, and expanding industries. Meanwhile, historical cities like Fez and Chefchaouen preserve Morocco's medieval charm, drawing tourists from around the world. The country’s unique mix of Arab, Berber, and European influences can be seen in its architecture, clothing, and daily life.

One of Morocco’s most famous cultural aspects is its cuisine. Traditional dishes such as tagine, couscous, and pastilla reflect the country’s diverse culinary heritage. Moroccan food is known for its rich spices, slow-cooked meats, and sweet-savory combinations. Mint tea, a staple of Moroccan hospitality, is served in nearly every home and café, symbolizing warmth and generosity.

Morocco's natural beauty is just as impressive as its culture. The country boasts a wide range of landscapes, from the vast Sahara Desert to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The coastal cities of Essaouira and Agadir offer stunning beaches, while the lush valleys of the Rif and Middle Atlas Mountains provide breathtaking hiking opportunities. The contrast between these environments makes Morocco a paradise for nature lovers.

The country is also famous for its bustling markets, known as souks, where visitors can find everything from handcrafted rugs to intricate jewelry. The medinas of Marrakech and Fez are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, filled with winding alleys, historic buildings, and vibrant street life. These markets are a testament to Morocco’s strong artisanal traditions, which have been passed down for generations.

Despite its progress, Morocco faces challenges such as economic inequality and unemployment. The government has invested in infrastructure and education to improve living conditions, but rural areas still struggle with limited access to resources. However, Morocco remains one of Africa’s most stable nations, with a growing economy based on tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy.

In conclusion, Morocco is a country of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovations. From its rich history and diverse landscapes to its vibrant culture and warm hospitality, Morocco continues to captivate those who visit. Whether exploring the Sahara, tasting Moroccan delicacies, or getting lost in a historic medina, one can always find something fascinating in this extraordinary land.

During the inaugural 2011 CAF U-23 Championship held in Morocco.^[2] The host nation coached by Pim Verbeek, recorded narrow 1-0 victories against both Nigeria and Algeria, before losing to Senegal.^[3] In the semi-finals, Morocco successfully secured a spot in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London by defeating Egypt 3-2 in a tense game which also saw Abdelaziz Barrada scoring the fastest goal in the history of the tournament to date after just 30 seconds. This marked the return of the Atlas Lions to the Olympic football tournament having missed out on qualifying in 2008.^[4] However, they faced a setback when they suffered a 2-1 defeat against the surprising contender, Gabon, in the final held at the Marrakech Stadium.^[5]

On 7 July 2022, Morocco were awarded the hosting rights of the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the return of the U-23 team to the competition for the first time in 12 years.^[6][7][8] Their campaign kicked off on a positive note with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Guinea,^[9] followed by a resounding 5-1 triumph over Ghana, emerging as group winners and securing a place in the semifinals with one game to spare.^[10][11] They went on to win the semi-final against Mali and qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.^[12][13] They defeated Egypt 2-1 in the final to win their first ever continental title.^[14][15] The team was congratulated by King Mohammed VI for their achievement.^[16][17]

On 29 February 2024, Tarik Sektioui was appointed head coach of the men's Olympic squad by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.^[18] In Paris 2024, Morocco debuted in group B with a 2–1 victory against Argentina,^[19] followed by a 2–1 defeat against Ukraine and a 3–0 victory against Iraq.^[20][21] Topping their group with six points ahead of Argentina on the head-to-head record, Morocco thus reached the knockout stage for the first time since 1972. They defeated the United States 4-0 in the quarterfinals, reaching the semifinals for the first time ever.^[22] In the semifinal, Morocco lost 2–1 against Spain.^[23] They then won 6–0 against Egypt in the third place to win the bronze medal.^[24]

Legend

  Win   Draw   Lose   Voided or Postponed   Fixture

Position	Name
Head coach	Tarik Sektioui
Assistant coach(es)	Youssouf Hadji
	Fahd El Ouarga
Fitness coach	Grégory Delhomel
Goalkeeping coach	Laurent Deraedt
Technical director	Chris Van Puyvelde
Video analyst	Damien Januel

• The following players were called up for the 2024 Olympic Games.^[25] Ayman El Wafi withdrew on 9 July 2024 after his club refused to release him, and was replaced by Bilal El Ouadghiri.^[26]

• Caps and goals are correct as of 8 August 2024^[update], after the match against Egypt.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Munir Mohamedi*	(1989-05-10) 10 May 1989 (age 35)	6	0	Al Wehda
12	1GK	Rachid Ghanimi	(2001-04-25) 25 April 2001 (age 23)	1	0	FUS Rabat
22	1GK	Mohamed Reda Asmama	(2002-02-08) 8 February 2002 (age 22)	2	0	Union de Touarga
2	2DF	Achraf Hakimi* (captain)	(1998-11-04) 4 November 1998 (age 26)	8	2	Paris Saint-Germain
3	2DF	Akram Nakach	(2002-04-07) 7 April 2002 (age 22)	5	1	Union de Touarga
4	2DF	Mehdi Boukamir	(2004-01-26) 26 January 2004 (age 21)	14	0	Charleroi
5	2DF	Adil Tahif	(2001-02-24) 24 February 2001 (age 23)	7	0	RS Berkane
11	2DF	Zakaria El Ouahdi	(2001-12-31) 31 December 2001 (age 23)	19	3	Genk
19	2DF	Haytam Manaout	(2001-04-18) 18 April 2001 (age 23)	3	0	Union de Touarga
21	2DF	Bilal El Ouadghiri	(2001-08-03)3 August 2001 (aged 22)	1	0	FUS Rabat
6	3MF	Benjamin Bouchouari	(2001-11-13) 13 November 2001 (age 23)	14	0	Saint-Étienne
8	3MF	Bilal El Khannous	(2004-05-10) 10 May 2004 (age 20)	7	1	Genk
13	3MF	Yassine Kechta	(2002-02-25) 25 February 2002 (age 22)	12	1	Le Havre
14	3MF	Oussama Targhalline	(2002-05-20) 20 May 2002 (age 22)	16	1	Le Havre
17	3MF	Oussama El Azzouzi	(2001-05-29) 29 May 2001 (age 23)	12	0	Bologna
18	3MF	Amir Richardson	(2002-01-24) 24 January 2002 (age 23)	14	2	Fiorentina
20	3MF	El Mehdi El Moubarik	(2001-01-22) 22 January 2001 (age 24)	4	0	Raja Casablanca
7	4FW	Eliesse Ben Seghir	(2005-02-16) 16 February 2005 (age 19)	6	0	Monaco
9	4FW	Soufiane Rahimi*	(1996-06-02) 2 June 1996 (age 28)	6	8	Al Ain
10	4FW	Ilias Akhomach	(2004-04-16) 16 April 2004 (age 20)	7	1	Villarreal
15	4FW	El Mehdi Maouhoub	(2003-06-05) 5 June 2003 (age 21)	7	2	Raja Casablanca
16	4FW	Abde Ezzalzouli	(2001-12-25) 25 December 2001 (age 23)	11	5	Real Betis

* Overage player.

The following players have been called up for the team within the last 12 months and are still available for selection.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club[a]	Latest call-up
GK	Walid Hasbi	(2004-01-07) 7 January 2004 (age 21)	4	0	Racing Strasbourg B	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
GK	Alaa Bellaarouch	(2002-02-01) 1 February 2002 (age 22)	8	0	Racing Strasbourg	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024PRE
DF	Ayoub Amraoui	(2004-05-14) 14 May 2004 (age 20)	12	0	Amiens	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
DF	Chadi Riad	(2003-06-17) 17 June 2003 (age 21)	6	0	Betis	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
DF	Mohamed Jaouab	(2002-05-14) 14 May 2002 (age 22)	4	1	Amiens	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
DF	Ayman El Wafi	(2004-05-11) 11 May 2004 (age 20)	11	0	Lugano	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
DF	Omar El Hilali	(2003-09-12) 12 September 2003 (age 21)	4	0	Espanyol	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
DF	Adam Aznou	(2006-06-02) 2 June 2006 (age 18)	1	0	Bayern Munich II	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
MF	Ismael Saibari	(2001-01-28) 28 January 2001 (age 24)	11	4	PSV Eindhoven	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
MF	Mohamed Nassoh	(2003-01-26) 26 January 2003 (age 22)	5	0	PSV Eindhoven	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
MF	Amine Souane	(2001-09-17) 17 September 2001 (age 23)	0	0	MC Oujda	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
FW	Yanis Begraoui	(2001-07-04) 4 July 2001 (age 23)	14	4	Pau	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
FW	Amine El Ouazzani	(2001-07-15) 15 July 2001 (age 23)	13	2	Guingamp	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
FW	Ibrahim Salah	(2001-08-30) 30 August 2001 (age 23)	9	0	Rennes	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
FW	Salim El Jebari	(2004-02-05) 5 February 2004 (age 20)	5	0	Atlético Madrid	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
FW	Montasser Lahtimi	(2001-04-01) 1 April 2001 (age 23)	2	0	Wydad Casablanca	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024
FW	Tawfik Bentayeb	(2002-01-14) 14 January 2002 (age 23)	2	0	Union de Touarga	v.  Belgium, 4 June 2024PRE
Notes PRE = Preliminary squad/standby.

Tournament	Player 1	Player 2	Player 3
2000	El Houssaine Ouchla (DF)	Adel Chbouki (MF)	Salaheddine Bassir (FW)
2004	Nadir Lamyaghri (GK)	Otmane El Assas (MF)	Bouchaib El Moubarki (FW)
2012	Houssine Kharja (MF)	Nordin Amrabat (FW)	did not select
2024	Munir Mohamedi (GK)	Achraf Hakimi (DF)	Soufiane Rahimi (FW)

Olympic Games record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
Until 1988	See Morocco national football team
1992	Group stage	15th	3	0	1	2	2	8
1996	Did not qualify
2000	Group stage	16th	3	0	0	3	1	7
2004	Group stage	10th	3	1	1	1	3	3
2008	Did not qualify
2012	Group stage	11th	3	0	2	1	2	3
2016	Did not qualify
2020
2024	Bronze medal	3rd	6	4	0	2	17	5
2028	To be determined
2032
Total	Bronze medal	5/9	18	5	4	9	25	26

• Prior to the Barcelona 1992 campaign, the Football at the Summer Olympics was open to full senior national teams.

U-23 Africa Cup of Nations record
Appearances: 2
Year	Round	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
2011	Runners-up	5	3	0	2	6	5
2015	Did not qualify
2019
2023	Champions	5	4	1	0	12	5
Total	2/4	10	7	1	2	18	10

UNAF U-23 Tournament record
Appearances: 3 / 4
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
2006	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2007	Third place	3rd
2010	Runners-up	2nd	3	2	0	1	6	3
2011	Third place	3rd	2	0	1	1	1	2
2015	Postponed

Islamic Solidarity Games record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
2005	Silver Medal	2nd	5	2	2	1	4	2
2010	Cancelled
2013	Gold Medal	1st	4	3	0	1	6	3
2017	Group stage	5th	3	1	2	0	2	1
2021	Group stage	5th	3	1	1	1	5	4
2025	To be determined
Total	1 title	4/4	15	7	5	3	17	10

Intercontinental

• Football at the Summer Olympics

Bronze medal (1): 2024

Continental

• U-23 Africa Cup of Nations

Winners (1): 2023

Runners-up (1): 2011

Other

• UNAF U-23 Tournament

Runners-up (1): 2010

Third Place (2): 2007, 2011

• Islamic Solidarity Games

Runners-up (1): 2005

• Toulon tournament

Runners-up (1): 2015

• Morocco national football team
• Morocco national under-20 football team
• Morocco national under-17 football team