Morocco’s Ludovic Batelli faces review despite U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualification

Ludovic Batelli’s future as Morocco Under-20 manager is set to come under scrutiny despite the team securing qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The French coach is expected to meet Morocco’s National Technical Directorate (DTN) next week to review the Lionceaux de l’Atlas’ campaign at the UNAF tournament, according to the account youssefamz13.

Morocco claimed one of the two qualification places available for the next Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, achieving the main objective set before the competition. However, the team’s performances are understood not to have fully convinced officials within the federation.

Morocco ended the tournament with a surprise 3-2 defeat by Libya, despite taking the lead. The result also meant they surrendered top spot in the standings to Egypt.

The contrasting nature of the campaign has raised questions over whether Batelli will remain in charge for the next stage of preparations. Qualification is a significant positive, particularly after Morocco’s important 2-0 victory over Egypt, but the loss to Libya has left a more mixed impression.

The meeting with the DTN is expected to focus on the team’s overall performances and the difficulties encountered during the tournament. Changes could be considered ahead of Morocco’s next commitments, although Batelli’s departure has not been confirmed.

The outcome will reportedly depend in part on the report Batelli submits on the training camp and tournament, as well as the conclusions reached by the DTN after reviewing it.

Batelli will be able to point to Morocco having achieved its principal target by qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The victory against Egypt was particularly important in securing that outcome.

However, the final-day defeat by Libya, after Morocco had opened the scoring, is likely to feature prominently in the assessment of the team’s campaign.

The Moroccan Football Federation must now decide whether continuity is the best approach as the side prepares for the finals, or whether changes to the technical staff are required.

No official decision has yet been announced regarding Batelli’s future.