Rabat – Morocco’s U23 national squad landed in Ethiopia on Wednesday ahead of their upcoming U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The squad immediately started training for the first-leg game, with a spot in the main tournament on the line.

Morocco’s squad departed for Ethiopia on Tuesday evening ahead of Thursday’s opening fixture.

The first-leg match is scheduled to take place at Dire Dawa Stadium, kicking off at 1:00 p.m. 

Head coach Jamel Ait Ben Idir has named a 25-man squad for the home-and-away series.

Ait Ben Idir aims to secure a strong away result in the first leg, laying a solid foundation to seal qualification on home soil in the return match.

The return leg will take place on Tuesday, November 17, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Kickoff for the decisive home match is set for 3:30 p.m.

The match will be officiated by Madagascar’s Andriatsara Arnaud Zafimahatoha, with Larenion Miladera and Ravoavy Hasinoro Fitiavana serving as assistant referees.

An all-Nigerian refereeing team will handle the second leg, headed by chief official Abubakar Abdallah and assistants Ahmed Tijani Mustapha and Tejiri Besmart Digbori.

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

The triumph qualified Morocco for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, paving the way for a historic bronze-medal run.

Facing Ethiopia will provide Morocco’s refreshed U23 squad a chance to sustain the country’s upward momentum in youth football.

A win across the two legs guarantees the Atlas Cubs a spot in the next round of qualifiers for the U23 tournament.