MoroccoCoach:
Morocco
Morocco
Team Players
Team Info
Almost half a century ago, in 1977, Morocco participated in the inaugural IHF Men's Junior World Championship in Sweden, where they finished 19th. After that, they featured only twice, at the tournaments which were held in Africa – Egypt 2009 and Algeria 2017, finishing 22nd both times.Â
Overall, the Moroccans claimed only three wins at this level, one in each event they took part in. Notably, they defeated only fellow African sides, beating Madagascar in 1977, Libya in 2009 and Burkina Faso in 2017.Â
Now they have qualified for the 24th Men's Junior (U21) World Championship by finishing fifth at the 2022 African Men's Junior Championship. A 39:22 win against home side Rwanda at the group stage was crucial for Morocco, allowing them to finish among the six best teams at the tournament and thus secure their berth at Germany/Greece 2023.
Head coach Mohammed Berrajaa mostly relies on players from domestic clubs, yet there are also some who play in France. In particular, goalkeeper Youssef El Mouaddar and right back Nacym Hamed Fougani are expected to play important roles.
At Germany/Greece 2023, the Africans have been drawn into a challenging group with two European sides (Serbia and Iceland) and one South American team (Chile). While it will be challenging for Morocco to reach the main round, they will certainly try to do their best at the competition.Â
Key players: Nacym Hamed Fougani (right back), Youssef El Mouaddar (goalkeeper), Marouane Boukhamsa (centre back)
Qualification for Germany/Greece 2023: 2022 African Men's Junior Championship – 5th place
History in tournament:Â 1977: 19th, 2009: 22nd, 2017: 22nd
Group at Germany/Greece 2023: Group G (Serbia, Morocco, Chile, Iceland)