As Morocco prepares to welcome Africa for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the national conversation stretches beyond the familiar hunger for continental glory. At its heart lies a deeper story — the rise of a generation forged by a single institution, the Mohammed VI Football Academy, now central to the country’s football identity.

Five players in head coach Walid Regragui’s AFCON squad — Nayef Aguerd, Azzedine Ounahi, Oussama Targhalline, Youssef En-Nesyri and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal — are products of the same academy. Their roles differ across defence, midfield and attack, but their shared schooling reflects a unified philosophy that has reshaped Moroccan football from the ground up.

Atlas Lion Nayef Aguerd named in UEFA’s Conference League best XI

This emergence is no coincidence. It is the culmination of a long-term, state-backed project launched nearly two decades ago and now regarded as one of Africa’s most influential talent-development models.

A Vision Turned Into a System

According to recruitment director Tarik El Khazri, the academy was born not of chance but of clear national intent.

“The Mohammed VI Academy was the result of a vision and a royal initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,” he explains.

That royal vision — led by King Mohammed VI — sought to modernise Morocco’s entire football ecosystem, replacing sporadic talent discovery with a consistent pipeline of elite players.

The residence for the Atlas Lions at the Mohammed VI Football Academy.

French-Moroccan coach Nasser Larguet, appointed the academy’s first technical director, recalls starting from scratch.

“I arrived with a blank sheet of paper on a project driven by His Majesty,” he says.

Between 2007 and 2010, everything had to be built — infrastructure, curriculum, education system and nationwide scouting. Larguet personally observed more than 15,000 children. Only 37 were selected.

The approach was uncompromising, but the impact was swift.

“By the second year, academy players were already joining the under-17, under-20 and Olympic teams,” Larguet recalls.

The pipeline had taken shape.

Five Players, One Football Identity

Today, the academy’s imprint is unmistakable across the national team. El Khazri calls it a recognisable identity — a genuine “AMF brand”.

That brand blends technical assurance with tactical intelligence and a collective mindset. Academy graduates are comfortable under pressure, decisive in tight spaces, and grounded in humility.

Nayef Aguerd brings calm authority to central defence. Azzedine Ounahi dictates rhythm and tempo in midfield. Targhalline adds balance and structure. En-Nesyri, once raw and explosive, has evolved into a striker built for decisive moments. Aït Boudlal symbolises continuity — the next wave shaped by the same standards.

Different journeys, one foundation.

Tested Where It Matters Most

For El Khazri, the academy’s success is not defined by contracts or transfers.

“A model matures when it produces starters and leaders in high-pressure environments,” he says.

The real measure is longevity — players sustaining elite performance for club and country over time. The academy always targeted careers spanning a decade or more.

The results are compelling. Of the 57 players developed during Larguet’s tenure, 47 became professionals, 15 moved to Europe, and several featured in World Cups, Olympic Games and multiple AFCON tournaments.

What began as an experiment is now a structured pathway studied by federations across the continent.

Education Before Everything

Perhaps the academy’s most defining pillar is education.

“When we spoke about education, we said everything,” Larguet insists.

Discipline, routine, collective responsibility and academic learning are embedded alongside football training. Children enter as young as nine, with full awareness that most will not become professionals.

“A career ends at 30 or 35. You must anticipate what comes after,” Larguet says.

That grounding has produced players equipped to absorb pressure, overcome setbacks and shoulder national expectations — qualities now visible on the international stage.

AFCON at Home, A Continental Statement

Hosting AFCON 2025 gives Morocco the chance to showcase more than footballing ambition. It offers proof that African excellence can be developed sustainably on African soil.

“Africa is capable of producing excellence for Africa,” El Khazri says.

The Mohammed VI Academy now stands as a continental reference point, marrying world-class infrastructure with a methodology rooted in Moroccan culture.

“We can succeed here at home,” Larguet adds, stressing that early migration to Europe is no longer the only pathway to fulfilment.

Pride, Purpose and an Unfinished Story

For Aguerd, playing AFCON on home soil carries a significance that transcends the pitch.

“It is a tremendous honour,” he says. “All thanks go to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his global vision of Moroccan and African football.”

Representing the academy at AFCON, he adds, is both privilege and responsibility — defending not just a jersey, but values.

As the tournament approaches, the question lingers: will this be remembered as a title-winning campaign, or as the moment a footballing philosophy fully came of age?

El Khazri offers a simple answer.

“Both — a trophy, and a defining chapter in the history of the Mohammed VI Academy.”

For Morocco, the ultimate victory may lie not only in lifting the AFCON trophy, but in confirming that a patient, purposeful project has delivered a new blueprint for African football success.

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By Kunle Solaja.

Group E of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, brings together continental heavyweights, seasoned challengers and resilient outsiders. Two-time champions Algeria headline the group alongside Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and former winners Sudan in a section that promises intensity and contrasting styles.

Group E matches will be staged in Rabat and Casablanca, with Algeria opening their campaign against Sudan.

Fixtures (Kick-off times GMT)

• Dec 24 (12:00) – Rabat: Algeria v Sudan
• Dec 24 (14:30) – Casablanca: Burkina Faso v Equatorial Guinea
• Dec 28 (12:00) – Rabat: Algeria v Burkina Faso
• Dec 28 (14:30) – Casablanca: Equatorial Guinea v Sudan
• Dec 31 (17:00) – Rabat: Algeria v Equatorial Guinea
• Dec 31 (17:00) – Casablanca: Burkina Faso v Sudan

Algeria: Proven Winners with a New Direction

Algeria arrive at AFCON 2025 with pedigree and expectation, having won the tournament twice — in 1990 and 2019. Making their 20th appearance at the finals, the Desert Foxes are ranked 35th in the world and qualified convincingly by topping their group ahead of Equatorial Guinea, Togo and Liberia.

Now coached by Bosnian tactician Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria combine experience with emerging talent. The squad features established internationals such as Riyad Mahrez, Baghdad Bounedjah and Ramy Bensebaini, alongside creative midfielders Ismaël Bennacer and Houssem Aouar.

With strength across all departments and depth from Europe’s top leagues, Algeria are widely tipped to control Group E.

Burkina Faso: Perennial Challengers Eyeing a Breakthrough

Burkina Faso return for their 14th Africa Cup of Nations appearance still chasing a first continental title. Their best run came in 2013, when they finished runners-up, and they arrive in Morocco ranked 62nd globally.

Coached by Brama Traoré, the Stallions qualified behind Senegal in a competitive group. Their squad blends defensive resilience with attacking flair, led by Edmond Tapsoba at the back and attacking threats such as Dango Ouattara, Bertrand Traoré and Lassina Traoré.

Burkina Faso’s clash with Algeria in Rabat is expected to be one of the group’s decisive encounters.

Equatorial Guinea: Dark Horses with a Point to Prove

Equatorial Guinea have steadily built a reputation as awkward opponents at AFCON. Making their fifth appearance at the finals, the Nzalang Nacional are ranked 97th in the world and famously reached the semi-finals on home soil in 2015.

Under coach Juan Micha, Equatorial Guinea rely on organisation and midfield experience, with players such as Pedro Obiang and Omar Mascarell providing composure. With forwards like Emilio Nsue and Iban Salvador, they possess the tools to trouble more fancied sides.

Sudan: Former Champions Seeking Revival

Sudan complete Group E as one of the tournament’s more intriguing storylines. Champions in 1970, the Falcons of Jediane are appearing at AFCON for the ninth time and are ranked 118th globally.

Coached by Ghanaian Kwesi Appiah, Sudan qualified ahead of Niger and Ghana in their group, underlining their ability to compete against stronger-ranked teams. Their squad is largely domestically based, built around Al Hilal and Al Merrikh players, with Mohamed Abdelrahman leading the attack.

Sudan will aim to draw on history and collective spirit as they seek a return to prominence.

Group E Outlook

Group E offers a fascinating blend of past glory and present ambition. Algeria’s pedigree makes them favourites, but Burkina Faso’s consistency, Equatorial Guinea’s unpredictability and Sudan’s resilience ensure a tightly contested group.

With matches split between Rabat and Casablanca, Group E promises tactical battles, contrasting philosophies and a compelling fight for progression to the knockout stages.

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Algeria have been dealt a blow to their Africa Cup of Nations hopes with the withdrawal of key midfielder Houssem Aouar on Friday.

He was injured in training on Thursday, an Algerian football federation statement said, and will be replaced for the tournament in Morocco by Himad Abdelli from French club Angers. No details of the injury were given.

Aouar, who won a cap for France before switching his international allegiance to Algeria, played at the last Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast two years ago where Algeria were shock early casualties.

In Morocco, Algeria compete in Group E, starting against Sudan in Rabat on Wednesday before playing Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.

Abdelli was a surprise omission from Algeria’s initial 28-man squad list announced last week. The 26-year-old is French-born but has won four caps for Algeria

-Reuters

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