Morocco 2004-06 Away Matchworn by Rachid Tiberkanine v Brazil U20
Morocco 2010 Away
Ah, the classic Total90 template, it spread like a mildly attractive plague across football kits. There’s a little green on the right sleeve as well as all across the collar and name but otherwise we’re left to rely on the red piping to carry the rest of the white shirt. I’m not certain it quite does the job but, with all the match detailing, it is pretty reasonable. The sleeve flag and the circle around the front number (why did they do that?) just about add enough.
Used across several tournaments, the main were the 2006 AFCON and 2006 World Cup qualifiers. They made the AFCON from those qualifiers, but draws to Egypt and Libya along with a loss to the Ivory Coast sent them home straight from the group stages. Disappointment also came in the form of missing out on the World Cup. Despite being unbeaten in the group containing Tunisia, Guinea, Kenya, Botswana and Malawi, 4 away draws (only beating Botswana) left them a singular point (and several goals) behind Tunisia, who took the only qualification spot.
From one classic template to another, we have Puma’s template that was given to almost half of CAF. Morocco were certainly no exception, receiving this green number with red sleeve cuffs. Their shoulder pattern was simple, but elegant for it, consisting solely of the star from the flag. I’m still not a fan of the asymmetrical material and that’s a little compounded by the fact that it is green as a home kit when red feels the more natural home colour for them. But it is a lovely green and a nice enough shirt so these things can be forgiven!
Used across 2012 AFCON qualification, Morocco made the tournament after topping a tricky group containing Central African Republic, Algeria and Tanzania. After 6 games only 6 points separated top from bottom but Morocco drew home and away to CAR, beat Algeria in both games and traded wins with Tanzania to come out 3 points clear of their closest rivals.
These results are fairly typical of modern Morocco, though they’ve got a storied history and should never be underestimated. They’ve been to five World Cups, reaching the knockout stages in 1986 and consecutively qualifying in 1994-98. However, 2018 was their qualification since 1998. Their sole AFCON title came as far back as 1976, with their best performance since being 2nd in 2004, though they reached 3 semi-finals in the 1980s. Twice knocked out of qualifying on away goals, Morocco have reached every African Nations Championship since, leading to back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2020 to show the strength of their league. They’ve also been very active in minor tournament, primarily with other Arabic nations, and have a plethora of obscure titles from these.
A little less intimidating on the women’s side, Morocco haven’t been to a World Cup or an Olympics and haven’t qualified for the AFCON since 2000. They were eliminated from both 1998 and 2000 in the group stages but only on goal difference in 1998. Their recent performances have been poor in qualifications, not coming close, but they have shown some promise in other tournaments, with 3rd in the 2019 African Games and gold in the 2020 UNAF Tournament. From U23s to U15s they’re one of the most successful nations in the UNAF tournaments, with numerous titles and high finishes, though this doesn’t translate as well to the confederation wide performance. That’s not to say they’ve been unsuccessful, with a 2nd place at U23 levels, 4 first round exits at the Olympics, 3 U20 World Cups (including a 4th place!) and a Round of 16 exit in the 2013 U17 World Cup. Women’s youth football has been fairly variable, with both UNAF U20 titles to date and 2nd in the sole U21 edition. Their progression in CAF youth tournament has mostly been through walkovers, with the major powers proving to be very much a step too far.
Active in both futsal and beach soccer, Morocco won the most recent two Futsal Cup of Nations titles and have been to two World Cups, exiting both at the group stage. They’ve qualified for the next World Cup, though that was delayed due to the pandemic. They fell short of Libya in both of their UNAF tournament appearances to date, but still rank amongst the best African futsal sides. Beach soccer has been much quieter, with Morocco reaching 3 semi-finals but mainly finishing in the middle of the pack, with about a 50% win rate. The likes of Nigeria and Senegal are just too far ahead of them currently.
Drawn in a group with Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Sudan, Morocco are expected to progress to the world Cup play-off. Anything can happen there but morocco will be confident. A lack of goals might be a concern, with their AFCON exit hanging heavy in the mind so nothing is guaranteed.
Adam's National Shirt Collection 