Morocco U23 face two hurdles on road to 2027 AFCON and Olympic Games

Morocco’s U23 side will begin their defence of the Africa U23 Cup of Nations title against either Ethiopia or Uganda after the qualifying draw for the 2027 tournament was held in Cairo.

The Atlas Cubs were among the nations given a bye through the opening round and will enter the competition in the second phase, where they will face the winner of the Ethiopia-Uganda tie.

The second-round matches are scheduled to be played over two legs between 9 and 17 November.

Morocco won the 2023 Africa U23 Cup of Nations on home soil and will be looking to return to the tournament in Egypt as they attempt to retain their continental crown.

Tougher test could await in final round

If Morocco overcome their second-round opponents, they will have to negotiate another two-legged tie in the final qualifying round to secure their place at the 2027 tournament.

Their possible opponents at that stage are Senegal or the winner of the Djibouti-South Sudan tie.

The qualifiers will be contested over three knockout rounds, with seven nations eventually joining hosts Egypt in the finals.

Morocco’s status as defending champions makes them one of the teams to watch as African nations compete for the available places at the tournament.

Olympic qualification adds extra incentive

The 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations will carry added importance because it will determine Africa’s representatives at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Seven teams will be eliminated during the qualifying campaign, with eight nations ultimately competing in Egypt.

Morocco secured their maiden U23 Africa Cup of Nations title in 2023 after beating hosts Egypt 2-1 after extra time in the final.

The Atlas Cubs will therefore have two major targets in the 2027 campaign: defending their African title and earning another opportunity to represent the continent at the Olympic Games.