Adam Aznou returns to Morocco Under-23 squad after senior international spell

Adam Aznou has been recalled to Morocco’s Under-23 squad for their Africa Cup of Nations Under-23 qualifying tie against Ethiopia, having previously represented the senior national team.

The 20-year-old left-back is included in the 25-man squad announced by Jamal Ait Ben Idir on Thursday for the second round of qualifying. His return comes after Othmane Maamma and Youssef Lekhdim, known as Yusi, also moved back into the Under-23 set-up despite having experience at higher age-group levels.

Aznou previously made his senior international debut under Walid Regragui in 2024. Born in Barcelona, he was selected by Morocco at the age of 18, with the national side acting before Spain, where he grew up, could secure his international future.

At the time, Aznou was regarded as one of Morocco’s outstanding young prospects during his development at Bayern. His progress, however, has been slower than initially expected.

A move to Everton in 2025 was intended to provide the next step in his career, but his time in England proved difficult. Aznou did not make a single league appearance for the Toffees.

He joined Malaga on loan this season, with the club having earned promotion to La Liga, and has begun to regain his match sharpness. Since the start of October, he has played in four consecutive matches, suggesting a gradual return to regular competitive football.

His inclusion in the Under-23 squad gives him the opportunity to build on that run and regain international rhythm. At 20, Aznou still has considerable room to develop, even if his progress has not come as early as had been anticipated.

He joins an Under-23 group that also includes Othmane Maamma, Youssef Lekhdim, Ismael Baouf and Ilyes Housni.

Maamma is continuing with the team after helping Morocco win the Under-20 World Cup, while Yusi brings experience of competing at the highest level.

Morocco will begin the tie away from home in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, on Thursday, 12 November at 13:00. The second leg will take place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, 17 November at 15:30.

The objective for Ait Ben Idir’s side is to progress through the second qualifying round and continue their pursuit of a place at the Africa Cup of Nations Under-23.