The Atlas Lions have taken a step towards qualification thanks to a valuable victory in Dire Dawa.
The collective composure shown by the youth teams on the road confirms the strength of the national football programme. On Thursday 12 November 2026, the Under-23 Olympic national team secured a crucial victory against their Ethiopian counterparts at the Dire Dawa Stadium, in the first leg of the second round of the African Nations Cup qualifiers for this age group. Following a disciplined performance in a challenging away fixture, the Atlas Lion Cubs made the difference in the 27th minute thanks to a decisive goal from Younes El Bahraoui, who was perfectly set up at the near post inside the penalty area by Saad El Haddad. This narrow victory gives the national side a crucial psychological and points advantage ahead of the second leg.
All eyes are now on the decisive return leg in Rabat
Bolstered by this valuable result achieved away from home, the national team is approaching the remainder of this two-legged tie with composure and focus. The players and coaching staff are now preparing for the second leg, scheduled for Tuesday 17 November 2026 at 3.30 pm at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. In front of their home crowd, the young internationals will be keen to demonstrate their technical and tactical superiority in order to officially secure their place in the next round of these continental qualifiers, which also represent a crucial step on the road to the next Olympic Games.
Benefits for the next generation of sport and the appeal of the venues
The consistent performances of the Olympic squad illustrate the value of the groundwork carried out within the federation’s training centres and the Kingdom’s professional clubs. This positive momentum showcases young talent from the national league and the diaspora, ensuring a smooth transition to the senior team. At the same time, the scheduling of official international matches in the capital’s modernised venues, such as the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, boosts public enthusiasm for the youth teams, revitalises the local events sector and strengthens the country’s organisational expertise.
