Morocco: Ahmed Kantari appointed U17 head coach

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced this Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the appointment of Ahmed Kantari as head coach of the national men's U17 team. Already a member of the National Technical Directorate (DTN), the former Atlas Lions defender is entrusted with new responsibilities within the Moroccan setup. He takes over from Portuguese coach Tiago Lima Pereira, who had led the Atlas Cubs so far.

This appointment reflects the FRMF's commitment to promoting Moroccan coaching talent and giving more responsibility to its own technicians across all national categories. Kantari is already familiar with the federation's structure and will now bring his experience to a new generation set to represent Morocco in upcoming international competitions.

At 41, the new head coach combines the experience of a professional player with several years of coaching on the sidelines. A former Moroccan international defender, he spent most of his playing career in France before retiring in 2019 and quickly turning to coaching.

Experience gained in France and abroad

Kantari began his coaching career with the Valenciennes staff before joining Sabri Lamouchi at Nottingham Forest in 2020 as assistant coach. He then followed Lamouchi to Al-Duhail in Qatar from 2020 to 2021.

Returning to Valenciennes, he gradually took on more responsibility. After joining the first-team staff, he managed the reserves before being named head coach of the professional team, a position he held until November 2024.

His journey continued at FC Nantes. Arriving in December 2024 as part of the first-team staff, he was promoted to head coach a year later, in December 2025. He held this position until March 2026.

Experience serving the Atlas Cubs

Holder of the UEFA Pro License, Kantari now has a new platform with Morocco's U17 squad. This role is also a key part of the FRMF's development strategy, aiming to prepare its young internationals for the highest level.

For the Moroccan coach, the goal will be to guide the progression of young talents, strengthen their tactical awareness, and prepare for upcoming international challenges.

After several club experiences, Ahmed Kantari now returns to the national team setup, this time in a role directly linked to player development. It's a new chapter in his coaching career, with the Atlas Cubs as his latest challenge.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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Morocco U17