Morocco U17 Coach Sparks Controversy with Gesture During AFCON Quarter-Final Win

It all started with a gesture that Nabil Baha made towards the supporters in the stands of the El Bachir stadium in Mohammedia after his son Ziyad scored the second goal giving the Atlas Cubs the lead (2-1). For some, the coach’s gesture is synonymous with a call for silence. Enough for some fans to accuse Baha of arrogance and nepotism. "Favoritism and connections are alive and well in Moroccan football," writes one supporter. "This gesture was childish. At that moment, I hoped we would lose." Another internet user goes as far as predicting the failure of the Moroccan U17 team for their next match.

After the match, Nabil Baha addressed this incident. He rejected these allegations, insisting that his gesture had been misinterpreted. "I asked the public to raise their voices. [...] I felt that the players needed more support at that moment. We were facing a tough opponent, and the players needed to feel the support of the public." He added: "The supporters reacted brilliantly and created an incredible atmosphere that allowed us to get back into the game. I sincerely thank them; their support was crucial." He continued: "We should celebrate this qualification and the performance of the players. This generation deserves our support. Let’s focus on football."

The coach’s explanations are far from convincing some Moroccan supporters. "And on top of that, he’s lying to our faces. He’s taking us for fools," one of them fumes.