Morocco select Akram Jadid and Chelsea prospect for U17 AFCON qualifiers

Morocco have announced their squad for the Union of North African Football (UNAF) tournament, which will determine qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 tournament.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has published the group chosen by Nabil Baha for the competition, which will be held in Tunisia from 10 to 16 November.

Among those selected is 15-year-old Akram Jadid, regarded as one of the country’s brightest prospects on the left wing. Jadid trained with AC Milan’s professional team in September and was called up for the first time last month by Ahmed Kantari as part of preparations for the Under-17 World Cup.

Morocco have also included Bilal Shah-Berkouz, a 16-year-old attacking midfielder from the Chelsea academy. His performances will be closely followed, particularly after the mixed spell experienced by his older compatriot Ibrahim Rabbaj, whom he plays alongside at the English club.

The squad also features several other players based abroad. Damin el Fayda represents Leipzig, while Noham Varela plays for Brest, Rayan Kharmoud is with Strasbourg, Ilyes Benane is at Genk and Mohammed Tatuh is part of the Ajax set-up.

They are joined by a group of players based in Morocco, including Sami Idahmad, Othmane Kam of RS Berkane, Jad Jamila and Mohamed Reda Souni of FUS Rabat. Iyad Hamzi, Adam Souna, Aymane Ait Hammou and Younes Felloula complete the contingent from the Academie Mohammed VI de Football.

The Atlas Cubs begin their campaign against Algeria on 10 November. They then face Egypt on 13 November before meeting hosts Tunisia in Sousse on 16 November.

Two qualification places are available from the tournament, although Morocco are already guaranteed a place at the Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 tournament because they will host it.

The North African qualifying competition was postponed after Morocco were added to the schedule at a late stage in mid-September. Libya’s withdrawal was then confirmed this week, further affecting the tournament’s organisation.

Morocco go into the competition after an unbeaten qualifying campaign last time out, when they finished top of the standings. They won all four of their matches, including a 3-0 victory over Algeria between the end of March and the beginning of April.