UNAF U20 in Egypt: Atlas Cubs chase CAN qualification

The Morocco U20 UNAF team is heading to a decisive tournament in Egypt, with a place at the next U20 Africa Cup of Nations on the line.

Morocco U20 UNAF: what to know

From 24 September to 6 October, the Atlas Cubs will take part in the Union of North African Football (UNAF) U20 tournament in Egypt.

The competition brings together five national teams: Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. It serves as a qualifying pathway to the next U20 AFCON.

Morocco are exempt from the opening matchday on 24 September and will start their campaign on 27 September against Tunisia.

Match schedule for the Atlas Cubs

The schedule for Morocco U20 UNAF is already set for the entire group phase. The format leaves very little room for mistakes.

• 27 September: Morocco vs Tunisia
• 30 September: Morocco vs Algeria
• 3 October: Morocco vs Egypt
• 6 October: Morocco vs Libya

In just a few days, the Atlas Cubs will face all their North African rivals. Each match will weigh heavily in the race for qualification.

A 25-player squad to carry the flag

For this tournament, national coach Ludovic Batelli has called up 25 players, combining talents from Moroccan clubs and youngsters based in Europe.

The squad includes, among others, Chouaib Bellarouch (Stade de Reims), Ilyess El Arbaoui (Athletic Bilbao), and several players trained at the Mohammed VI Football Academy.

This approach confirms the Moroccan Royal Football Federation’s strategy of drawing on a wide talent pool, including binational players and prospects identified abroad.

An emotional connection for Moroccans abroad

For many Moroccans living abroad, youth national team tournaments are more than just football events. They are a way to keep a strong emotional connection with home.

Following the Atlas Cubs means supporting a generation that often plays in the same European leagues where many Moroccan families live and work.

Some U20 players themselves grew up outside Morocco before choosing to represent the national team, a journey that echoes the experience of many in the Moroccan community worldwide.

Moroccan football’s growing reputation

The performance of Morocco U20 UNAF in Egypt is part of the broader rise of Moroccan football, driven in recent years by the achievements of the senior and U23 teams.

Securing a U20 AFCON ticket would strengthen Morocco’s image as a serious, long-term player in youth development and open new doors for youngsters aiming to reach the Olympic or senior squads.

Supporters in Morocco and across the world will be able to follow the tournament through the FRMF’s official channels and regular online updates.

As kickoff approaches, the team continues its preparations with one clear objective: return from Egypt with AFCON qualification and confirm the momentum of Moroccan youth football.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.