Morocco’s basketball resurgence continues as they host the final window of the FIBA Men's AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. With home-court advantage, Mohamed Choua and the Atlas Lions aim to overturn their struggles and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Last Updated on
February 13, 2025
Moroccan basketball has recently received an uptick in popularity following their highly successful and much talked about Basketball Africa League (BAL) Combine, which took place in January. The BAL then announced that the North African nation will host the 2025 Basketball Africa League's Kalahari Conference. The thirst of Morocco's highly engaged basketball community will once again be quenched from 21 February to 23 February as they will play hosts of the final window of the upcoming FIBA Men's AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers.
Unfortunately, all the attention Moroccan basketball has received has yet to translate to wins on the court for the men's senior national team. They are currently rooted to the bottom of Group A, having lost all three of their games to Mali, DR Congo, and South Sudan during the last window, back in September 2024. In many ways, the 1965 Afrobasket champions (then known as the FIBA Africa Championship) were dealt a "bad hand" last year.
Following their elimination from the pre-qualifiers, the Moroccans were surprisingly given a wild card spot to the actual qualifiers following Mozambique's last-minute withdrawal. Subsequently, with less time to prepare than the rest of their new group opponents, they endured three heavy defeats during the window. However, even with their backs against the wall, they now have the privilege of playing their final qualifiers in front of their home fans and a chance to muster up an upset (or two) to revive their hopes of qualification.
Under the tutelage of head coach Labib El Hamrani, the Atlas Lions, assisted by Ahmed Kajaj, will relish this chance to turn the ship around, considering that they have had more time to prepare for this set of qualifiers.
As with the previous window, the North Africans will lean on the talents of their star, Mohamed Choua. The skilled small forward, currently signed to France-based Pro-B club Rouen Metropole Basket, led his team during the second window with 19.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks. His athletic style of play and ability to stretch the floor will play pivotal roles in this team's success.
Two-way guard Ayoub Nouhi's poise and ability to dissect the defense will complement Choua's style of play. The FUS de Rabat guard, who also can stretch the floor from the perimeter, will bring his experience and undoubtedly fight to this team.
The experienced vet, Soufiane Benhmine, a powerful presence in the locker room and court, is considered the heart of this team. His passion and dedication to his country's national team is second to none. Benhmine can be heard across the arena cheering his teammates even when he is not on the court. Another veteran who is a crucial piece to this puzzle is Khalid Boukichou. The center, currently playing for LNB Élite (Pro A) club BCM Gravelines Dunkerque, will be a commanding presence in the paint and will help to lead the charge in protecting the rim.
Despite their highly respected core group players, this squad possesses a mixture of youth and experience, athleticism and composure, knowing that the task ahead is daunting as every game is a must-win game. They start this leg of the campaign against the fast-rising Paris Olympic heroes, South Sudan. After that, they will take on DR Congo, who, so far, are the only undefeated team in the group.
The Atlas Lions will then wrap up their campaign against Mali, whom they narrowly lost 66-64. For Morocco to have a chance at qualifying via their group or as a "Wild Card" choice, the Atlas Lions will have to keep a firm eye on the point differentials of every game they play. The two best-placed third teams across all 5 groups will earn a ticket to Luanda in August.
[Imagery and Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
