U17 AFCON: Morocco's squad features rising star Ibrahim Rabbaj

Africa 24 March 2025 at 19:04

Amine Jomni

News Editor

The U17 Africa Cup of Nations is fast approaching, and Morocco's head coach, Nabil Baha, has announced the list of 26 players who will don the colors of the Atlas Cubs. The competition will take place from March 30 to April 19, 2025, in the "Shereefian Kingdom."

Placed in Group A, Morocco will face Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. The matches will be held in several Moroccan cities, including Casablanca, Mohammedia, Berrechid, and El Jadida.

It is worth noting that this U17 AFCON will also serve as a stepping stone for the FIFA U17 World Cup, scheduled in Qatar. Ten African teams will represent the continent there.

Ibrahim Rabbaj, a strong choice for Morocco

Thus, the young and talented Ibrahim Rabbaj, a standout from Chelsea, is one of the major attractions of this squad. Born in London in 2009 to Moroccan parents, he has impressed this season with 52 goals and 60 assists in 40 matches with the Blues' U16s.

Despite interest from the English federation, he has chosen to represent the country of his roots.

Alongside players like Adam Alioui (Olympique Lyonnais) and Ilies Belmokhtar (AS Monaco), Rabbaj will be a key asset for the Atlas Cubs, determined to shine in front of their home crowd.

Here is the complete list of Morocco for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations:

Goalkeepers:

• Yassine Badaoui (FC Rouen, France)
• Soufiane El Idrissi (Mohammed VI Academy)
• Chouaib Bellaarouch (Mohammed VI Academy)

Defenders:

• Ilyass Hidaoui (Mohammed VI Academy)
• Ilyas El Arbaoui (Athletic Club, Spain)
• Moncef Zekri (K.V Mechelen, Belgium)
• Joseph Bellahsen (Borussia Monchengladbach, Germany)
• Hamza Bouhaddi (FUS Rabat)
• Nassim El Massoudi (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Adam Alioui (Olympique Lyonnais, France)
• Driss Ait Chiekh (Centre Chippo)

Midfielders:

• Mohamed Mounssef (Wydad Casablanca)
• Zakari El Khalfioui (AC Ajaccio, France)
• Elyes Saidi (AJ Auxerre, France)
• Luis Velilles (Real Betis, Spain)
• Abdellah Ouazzane (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands)
• Adam Soudi (Toulouse FC, France)
• Amine Ouahabi (K.V Mechelen, Belgium)
• Ahmed Mouhoub (FUS Rabat)
• Amine Amgar (MVV Maastricht, Netherlands)

Forwards:

• Ali El Failali (Malaga CF, Spain)
• Adam Jout (Mohammed VI Academy)
• Ibrahim Rabbaj (Chelsea, England)
• Ziyad Baha (Real Betis, Spain)
• Ilies Belmokhtar (AS Monaco, France)
• Ismail El Aoud (Valencia CF, Spain)