Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has showered praise on Morocco’s U-20 national team following their historic qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup final, describing it as the product of years of structured investment and strategic youth development.

Morocco’s remarkable run to the final — where they’ll face Argentina on Sunday, October 19 — makes them only the third African country ever to reach this stage of the tournament.

Agyemang-Badu, who scored the decisive penalty that won Ghana the 2009 U-20 World Cup in Egypt, said he wasn’t surprised by the North Africans’ rise, noting that their success is no coincidence.

> “I’m not surprised. I’m actually a big admirer of what Morocco has been doing,” he told Sporty FM.
“They started this process about four or five years ago — scouting young players from places like England and Somalia, introducing them early into their system, teaching them the culture, style, and expectations. That’s how you build a football identity.”

The former Udinese midfielder emphasized that Morocco’s approach — rooted in long-term planning, scouting, and infrastructure development — has transformed their football.

> “They built something strong over time, and now Moroccan football is arguably the best on the continent,” he said.

Agyemang-Badu also applauded the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for its recent youth-focused initiatives, especially the ‘Catch Them Young Referee’ program, which has already produced young talents like 17-year-old Adongo Angelous Akurugu, who officiated the Nations FC vs. Kotoko clash.

> “When I see Morocco, I see the reward of consistency,” he added.
“But Ghana is also moving in the right direction. The GFA President is doing well — the U-17s are improving, and the Catch Them Young initiative is brilliant. That’s how we can rebuild our football culture and revive our junior national teams.”

Morocco’s rise, Agyemang-Badu believes, should serve as a blueprint for Ghana, reminding everyone that football excellence begins with vision, patience, and proper structure.