Goalkeeper Belarouche crowns the academy's young men

The Mohammed VI Academy football team for under 19 years was crowned this evening, Sunday, with the title of the eighth edition of the academy’s international league, after defeating the Croatian team Hajduk Split in the final match on penalty kicks (4-2) after the end of the legal time of the match in a goalless draw (0-0).

The Mohammed VI Academy football team for under 19 years owes this well-deserved coronation to its brilliant goalkeeper, Chaaib Belarouche, who managed to save two penalty kicks to lead his team to win this international league, which was distinguished by the participation of prestigious clubs and academies from various continents.

The Mohammed VI Academy football team for under 19 years achieved an error-free path in the group stage, ending this round at the top of the first group, after defeating the Italian Como 1907 by three clean goals, then the Qatari Aspire Academy with two unanswered goals, before scoring a broad victory over Rennes of France with four unanswered goals.

In the quarter-finals, the academy players faced the English team, Leeds United, and won qualification via penalty kicks 4-3, after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

In the semi-finals, the under-19 team of the Mohammed VI Football Academy defeated Al-Fateh Sports Club by three clean goals.

This tournament, which was hosted by the Mohammed VI Football Academy stadiums between April 22 and 26, witnessed the participation of 16 teams divided into four groups, enhancing the status of this event as a prominent football event at the youth level.

Morocco was represented in this competition by the Mohammed VI Football Academy, Al-Fateh Sports Club, and Nahdet Berkane, in addition to clubs and academies belonging to four continents.

Participating in this league, in particular, were Stade Rennes and Monaco of France, Aspire Academy of Qatar, Villarreal of Spain, Boca Juniors of Argentina, Al Ain of the UAE, Palmeiras of Brazil, Hajduk Split of Croatia, Leeds United of England, Nottingham Forest of England, AZ Alkmaar of Netherlands, Vitoria of Portugal, and Como 1907 of Italy.

This league, which constitutes a real showcase for young talents, is an opportunity to attract prospectors and scouts affiliated with prominent clubs, who realize the importance of such a date in discovering and honing emerging football talents.