U23 AFCON Qualifiers: Morocco in training camp in Gambia

Morocco’s U23 national team is set to kick off a preparatory training camp in The Gambia on January 6, as part of their build-up to the second round of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The camp will feature two friendly matches against the Gambian U23 side in Banjul, offering the Atlas Lions a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their tactics and assess their squad ahead of the crucial qualifiers against DR Congo in March.

Head coach Mark Wotte has called up a mix of players from both divisions of the domestic Botola leagues, selecting a 24-man squad to participate in the camp. The inclusion of talent from various clubs underlines Wotte’s intent to balance experience and youth while giving promising prospects a chance to stake their claim for a place in the national setup.

The squad includes some of Morocco’s most promising young goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Between the posts, Mehdi Benabid (FUS) and Abderrahman Karnan (AMF) have been chosen to provide depth and competition in goal. Their performances in the camp and friendlies will be closely watched, as Wotte seeks reliable options for the African qualifiers.

The defensive line is anchored by a combination of emerging talent and physically imposing players, including Al Mehdi Belarbi (FUS), Adil Tahif (AMF), Benaïssa Benamar (IRT), Saad Akzoul (KACM), Abdelmenem Boutouil (AS FAR), and Zakaria Nask (KACM). These defenders are expected to play a key role in maintaining stability at the back, particularly in matches where Morocco will face technically skilled and physically demanding opponents.

Midfielders such as Anas Bach (FUS), Soufiane Kerkach (MCO), Zakaria Al Ouardi (MAT), Mohamed Douik (CAR), and Mehdi Jaky (MCO) have also been included to provide creativity, control, and versatility in the middle of the park. Their ability to link defense with attack will be critical in Wotte’s tactical plans during both the friendly matches and upcoming qualifiers.

Up front, the squad features a number of talented attackers capable of influencing games in the final third. Players like Othmane Fadiz (ASS), Ismail Al Ahrach (OCK), Khalid Hachadi (OCK), Achraf Gharib (AMF), Mohamed Amrabet (OCS), Mohamed Boulcost (KACM), Youssef Belamari (FUS), Ayoub Moueden (MAT), Houdaifa Almhassni (MAT), Hakim Aklido (CRA), and Khalil Aït Ourkhan (AS FAR) offer pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring potential, which Wotte will be hoping to harness effectively.

The Gambia camp and the two friendly matches will not only provide practical match experience but also allow the coaching staff to evaluate player combinations, refine strategies, and make key decisions ahead of the March qualifiers. With the Atlas Lions eager to secure their place in the next stage of the Africa Cup of Nations, this training period represents a crucial step in their preparation.

By blending domestic league talent with a clear tactical plan, Coach Wotte aims to field a competitive Morocco U23 squad capable of achieving positive results against DR Congo and ultimately advancing in the continental competition.