Team Profile: Morocco, led by the 2023 FIBA AfroCan Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kevin Franceschi, earned a wild card ticket to the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers after the withdrawal of Mozambique. Ranked 18th in Africa, they aim for redemption in Group A against South Sudan, DR Congo, and Mali.
Last Updated on
November 22, 2024
Talk about second chances! Winners of the 2023 FIBA AfroCan, Morocco's AfroBasket chances were done and dusted after a two-game Pre-Qualifiers series against Libya held in Monastir, Tunisia, in February. However, the Labin El Hamrani-led side got a lifeline after being accorded a wild card to replace Mozambique, who pulled out due to political unrest in the country.
The North Africans, currently ranked 18th in Africa (97th in the world), are in Group A, which includes South Sudan, DR Congo and Mali. The North Africans begin their campaign against the highest-ranked African side, South Sudan. Morocco last competed in the AfroBasket in 2017, securing a fourth-place finish. They finish last in their Group E following the 2021 AfroBasket Qualifiers, missing out on the African showpiece event in Rwanda.
Coach Hamrani has opted for a blend of youthful talent and seasoned experience, aiming to replicate their AfroCan success on a grander stage with this opportunity for redemption.
In the lead-up to the competition, Morocco played two friendlies, winning 83-58 against NBA Academy Africa, before being pushed to the wall for 54-52 by Rwanda, who is also playing the Qualifiers in Dakar. Morocco's charge will be led by French-Moroccan Kevin Franceschi, the 31-year-old 2023 FIBA AfroCan Most Valuable Player (MVP) who led the North Africans to their first continental title since 1965.
The shooting guard played a significant role in helping Morocco conquer the quadrennial competition held in Luanda, Angola, averaging team-highs of 12.8 points and three assists per game while playing 32.4 minutes. He scored 14 points as Morocco beat Cote d'Ivoire 78-76 to reach the top of the podium of an African competition in over five decades. He made the All-Tournament team, as did Jihad Benchlikha, who is also in Dakar.
Benchlikha's experience and the partnership he has fostered with Franceschi will come in handy for coach Hamrani. The 32-year-old, part of the 2017 squad that last played in the AfroBasket, proved key for Morocco at the AfroCan, being credited for the side's semi-final win over the then reigning champions RD Congo.
Against the Congolese, the shooting guard was 5-for-10 from beyond the arc to finish with 15 points as Morocco prevailed 76-69. The three-point specialist averaged 10.2 points per game as Morocco finished 5-1.
The young legion will be accompanied by Younes Boukichou, who linked up with the team two days ago. While making the announcement, the Moroccan federation said the Belgian-Moroccan youngster's inclusion was a result of talks with the relevant authorities:
"Where all necessary documents and requirements were submitted, resulting in the successful completion of the player's qualification process."
Confirmed Roster: Elias Aqyoub, Hamza Bashar, Omar Karem, Anas Al-Moussawi, Muhammad Al-Shawi Al-Quraishi, Khaled Bukicho, Muhammad Shuaa, Kevin Franceschi, Jihad Benslikha, Sofiane Benmhin, Yassin Al-Mohseni, Ayoub Al-Nohi.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
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