Ahmed Kantari named Morocco U17 head coach

Ahmed Kantari has been named the new head coach of Morocco’s U17 national team. This strategic move by the National Technical Directorate (DTN) reflects a commitment to leveraging Moroccan talent, especially former players and coaches, stated the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) in a statement.

A former Atlas Lion himself, Kantari played for several European clubs before transitioning to coaching. With a UEFA Pro Licence, he joined the technical staff at French club Valenciennes after retiring in 2019, later moving to Nottingham Forest FC in England as an assistant coach. He also held the same role at Qatari club Al Duhail FC.

In 2021, Kantari returned to Valenciennes, initially joining the first-team coaching staff, then managing the reserve team, and eventually leading the professional side. In 2024, he joined FC Nantes and served as head coach from December 2025 to March 2026.