Morocco and the majestic city of Rabat are once again at the heart of continental football excitement as the country's U23 national team prepares to launch its qualification journey for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON U23). Having received a direct bye through the first preliminary round, the reigning African champions enter this crucial second-round first-leg fixture against Ethiopia as clear favorites. The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled to take place at the Dire Dawa Stadium in Ethiopia, with kickoff set for 1:00 PM Moroccan time (14:00 French time).
Road to Glory: Atlas Cubs Aiming for Consecutive Tournament Appearances
Under the strategic leadership of coach Jamal Aït Ben Idir, the Moroccan squad arrives in East Africa carrying the immense weight of expectation and national pride. The Atlas Cubs triumphed on home soil during the previous edition of the tournament three years ago, showcasing the immense depth and world-class quality fostered by Moroccan football infrastructure, notably spearheaded by the Mohammed VI Football Academy. For this latest qualification campaign, the team is determined to build upon that historic triumph and cement Morocco's status as an undisputed powerhouse in youth football across the African continent.
Standing in their way is a resilient Ethiopian side eager to make history by securing their first-ever qualification for the tournament's final phase, which also serves as a crucial pathway toward the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. Despite playing away from home in Dire Dawa, the Moroccan delegation has maintained rigorous preparation standards, focusing on tactical discipline and maintaining the high-intensity press that has become a hallmark of Moroccan national selections at all age levels.
Broadcast Details and Next Steps in the Qualifier Pathway
Football enthusiasts across Morocco looking to support the Lionceaux of the Atlas can tune in locally via the national broadcaster Arryadia, which is expected to provide comprehensive live coverage of the showdown. Meanwhile, international viewers in Europe may need to monitor official streaming platforms and local listings, as direct French television broadcasts have not been officially confirmed ahead of kickoff.
Following this demanding away fixture in Ethiopia, the Moroccan squad will return home to host the return leg in Rabat next week on November 17. The aggregate winner of this exciting two-legged tie will advance to the third and final round of qualifications, bringing them one step closer to booking a ticket to Egypt. Should the Atlas Cubs successfully navigate this hurdle, they remain on a collision course potentially involving the winner between South Sudan and Senegal, keeping alive the dream of securing a historic second consecutive qualification for the final tournament.
As reported by afrik-foot.com.
