The next generation of Moroccan football is already hard at work.
At the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, Morocco’s U23 national team have entered a new training camp focused on preparation, competition and the challenges that await later this year.
From September 20 to October 6, 2026, the Lionceaux de l’Atlas are working under head coach Jamel Aït Ben Idir, with two international friendlies against Mali and Tanzania providing important tests ahead of November’s qualification campaign.
A Stage Built Around November
The current camp is about more than simply preparing for two friendly matches.
The coaching staff are using the gathering to assess players returning from injury, those who have not featured regularly, and several youngsters who have not been part of the setup for some time.
- “All the boys joined us yesterday, so we were able to work today,” Aït Ben Idir explained.
- “We are preparing for the November qualifiers, a very important appointment. This camp will allow us to see players we haven’t seen for a long time, those returning from injury, but also players lacking rhythm.”
The objective is clear: qualify for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations and, from there, fight for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Two Tests Against Mali and Tanzania
The Lionceaux will have two opportunities to measure their progress during the camp.
The first comes on Thursday, October 1, when Morocco face Mali at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Four days later, on Monday, October 5, the team will travel to Tangier for a second friendly against Tanzania at the Sports Village Stadium.
Both matches will give the coaching staff valuable minutes to assess the squad before the competitive campaign begins.
A New Experience for Bouhamdi
For Amir Bouhamdi, the camp represents a particularly exciting moment.
The PSV Eindhoven winger is experiencing his first U23 gathering, giving him the opportunity to discover a new environment and work alongside a different generation of Moroccan internationals.
- “This is my first gathering with the U23s. Everything has gone well, and we are surrounded by a lot of support,” he said.
His ambitions extend beyond the current camp.
- “I hope to play well and help us qualify for the Olympic Games.”
Ethiopia Await in November
The most important challenge of the current cycle will arrive in November, when Morocco face Ethiopia in a two-legged first-round tie in the U23 AFCON qualifiers.
The tournament itself will be held in Egypt next year, adding another layer of importance to the qualification process.
The U23 Africa Cup of Nations will also serve as the pathway to the football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, meaning success in the continental competition could open the door to another major international stage.
Maamma Begins a New Chapter
Another player embracing the transition is Othmane Maamma, who arrives with valuable experience after playing a starring role in Morocco’s memorable 2025 U20 World Cup campaign in Chile.
The move to the U23 level represents another step in his international development.
- “We are preparing during these two weeks for the AFCON qualifiers. We know how important this is for Moroccans,” he said.
- “I really like the team spirit. We are happy to be here and represent our country. It is also a pleasure to be back with the national team.”
His words reflect the mentality within the group: ambition combined with a strong sense of responsibility toward the national shirt.
Building the Next Generation
The current U23 squad brings together players at different stages of their development.
Some are experiencing their first exposure to this level, while others arrive after impressive campaigns with the youth national teams or growing involvement at European clubs.
That combination gives the coaching staff an opportunity to build a competitive group while preparing players for the demands of senior international football.
The immediate focus remains on November, but the bigger objective stretches further ahead.
From AFCON Qualification to Los Angeles
For Morocco’s U23 side, the pathway is clearly defined.
First comes the November qualification battle against Ethiopia. Then comes the ambition of reaching the U23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where Olympic qualification will be at stake.
The journey toward Los Angeles 2028 therefore begins long before the Olympic tournament itself.
With two friendly tests ahead and an ambitious group of young players working together in Maâmora, Morocco’s next generation is taking its first steps toward another major international opportunity.
The road to Egypt, and potentially Los Angeles, starts with the work being done now.