Santiago: The Atlas Cubs, led by coach Mohamed Ouahbi, are benefiting from talents such as Dunkerque’s Gessime Yassine (Ligue 2) and the collective discipline fostered during training camps at the Mohammed VI complex, the newspaper notes in an article titled ‘With the gem Gessime Yassine, Morocco captivates at the U20 World Cup.’
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the article highlights that the team is significantly enhanced by the 19-year-old talent who has already made a mark with a pass and goal against Spain (2-0) in the first group stage fixture. Additionally, Yassine stood out with two decisive assists on Thursday in Santiago against Brazil (2-1), securing Morocco’s qualification for the round of 16 of the competition.
Supported by promising players such as Othmane Maamma (Watford, trained and launched as a pro at Montpellier), the Dunkirk winger ‘is lifting the Atlas Cubs up,’ the article continues, showcasing his pivotal role in the team’s success.
Yassine Guessime honed his skills at Istres
before joining Dunkirk in early 2024, ‘bringing his joie de vivre, creativity, subtle touches, and dribbling freedom to the northern team,’ the specialist publication notes.
L’Equipe, quoting an expert, emphasizes the Moroccan team’s impressive collective strength. “Every run is made at 110%, similar to the senior team’s performance in Qatar in December 2022. They have incredible chemistry; it’s as if they’ve been playing together for six months, all the time, every day, creating a remarkable difference compared to other teams.”
The Mohammed VI complex in Salé, inaugurated in 2019, provides excellent working conditions for all youth teams, as highlighted by the author of the article. The facility is supported by former senior internationals such as Noureddine Naybet, Nabil Baha, and Tarik Sektioui, who coach teams of the best local and dual nationals from an early age.
In 2025, Morocco’s U20 team reached the U-20 AFCON finals, ranking second to South Africa following penalties. The U17 team made history th
is year by winning the AFCON against Mali at home, the outlet recalls, noting that the U23 team secured the 2023 AFCON. Morocco’s talents also shone brightly at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal.