“No opponent scares us” – Nabil Baha and his Lion Cubs ready to roar for U-17 AFCON

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.

On the eve of their debut in the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, the Atlas Lions are about to write a new chapter in their history. A story that their coach, Nabil Baha, dreams of etching in gold letters, in an edition hosted by Morocco and marked by ambition. Against Uganda this Saturday, the tone is set: confidence, meticulous preparation, and a clear objective: to reach the top.

A year-long wait

“We’ve been preparing for this competition for a year,” Nabil Baha declared at the outset during the pre-match press conference. “Playing at home, with this level of organization, is a blessing. The team is ready and just waiting to get started.” Behind this apparent calm lies an entire staff that has put in place a well-oiled mechanism, consisting of training camps, warm-up matches, and rigorous observation of opponents.

Because the Moroccan coach knows: “No match is easy in Africa anymore. All the teams are progressing, all are working hard.” Opposite, Uganda, a valiant and often unpredictable opponent in the youth categories, will not come as a sacrificial victim. But Baha doesn’t care: “Our main opponent is ourselves.”

Saïd Chiba’s legacy in focus

In a corner of his speech, the benevolent shadow of Saïd Chiba looms large. A finalist at the last U-17 AFCON with a stellar squad, the former international player paved the way. “What Saïd achieved last year was exceptional. Our goal is to at least match that achievement. But we want to go even further,” confided Baha, lucid but hungry.

For Morocco, despite its recent progress in youth competitions, has never won this AFCON. Perhaps the time has come to shake up history. “Morocco has never lifted the trophy at this level. But we are aware of our strengths and our potential,” he added with a mixture of caution and faith in his squad.

A sharp squad, uninhibited ambition

Without injuries, a squad considered optimal, and individuals monitored since the start of the season, the Moroccan team is moving forward with confidence. “The best are here. Those who have shown they deserve the jersey are in this locker room,” Baha insists, as if to affirm that this selection is the culmination of a process, not the result of chance.

The other major challenge is global: “With this expanded format to ten qualifiers for the World Cup, making it past the first round is already a gateway to the global dream.” This reality makes the pressure less pressing, without dulling the desire to strike hard from the start.

Confidence as the sole driving force

In a final sentence, almost like a heartfelt cry, Nabil Baha concludes: “It’s crucial to start with a victory. It would give us the momentum we need.” Today, when I look my players in the eye, I can honestly say: no opponent scares us.”

Action begins Sunday evening for the U-17 AFCON kickoff at the Stade Bachir in Mohammedia.