Published on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Morocco's head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, has officially announced his first senior squad as the Atlas Lions gear up for their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign. The squad features three uncapped young talents: Abdellah Ouazane, Soufian El Faouzi, and Yassir Zabiri, highlighting Ouahbi's commitment to integrating fresh talent into the national team. This 29-man roster was revealed at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, setting the stage for Morocco's upcoming matches against Gabon and Lesotho.
The Atlas Lions are set to host Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on September 25, followed by a crucial away match against Lesotho in Bloemfontein on September 29. Moreover, Morocco will play a friendly against Ghana in Tangier during the international break, offering Ouahbi a valuable opportunity to evaluate both seasoned players and emerging prospects.
Young Stars Make Their Mark
Among the most exciting inclusions in the squad is 17-year-old Abdellah Ouazane, whose rapid rise through the ranks has earned him a place in the senior team. Joining him are fellow newcomers Zabiri and El Faouzi, as Ouahbi aims to blend youthful exuberance with the experience of established national team members. Zabiri's selection follows his impressive performances with Racing Santander, while Soufian El Faouzi has caught the coach's eye with his skills showcased at German club Schalke 04. This strategic mix of youth and experience is designed to fortify Morocco's journey towards the continental finals.
In addition to the new faces, veteran players such as Nayef Aguerd, who returns to the squad following his transfer to Olympique de Marseille, and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal are also included. Goalkeeper Alaa Bellarouch has been selected after gaining additional playing time with Dinamo Bucharest, while Abdessamad Ezzalzouli's return is expected to enhance the attacking capabilities of the team.
Strengthening the Squad
Coach Ouahbi has retained key figures from Morocco's previous international outings, with captain Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui anchoring the defense. The selection of four goalkeepers, including Yassine Bounou and Munir El Kajoui, ensures a robust defensive strategy, while midfield talents such as Bilal El Khannouss, Azzedine Ounahi, and Ismaël Saibari add depth to the squad. With Brahim Diaz leading the attacking front, Morocco is poised to embark on a strong qualification campaign.
The inclusion of several emerging players is set to heighten competition within a squad that already comprises stars from top European and African leagues. With ten defenders and eight midfielders selected, Ouahbi has a wealth of options at his disposal for the three matches scheduled during this international window. Among the midfield newcomers is El Faouzi, complemented by Ayyoub Bouaddi and Samir El Mourabet, alongside Neil El Aynaoui and Oussama Targalline. It is noteworthy that Younès Ebnoutalib, who is eligible to represent Morocco, has opted to accept a call-up from Germany instead.
As the squad gathers in preparation for the match against Gabon, this will mark Ouahbi's inaugural competitive challenge with the senior national team. Following the game against Gabon, the Atlas Lions will head to South Africa for their clash with Lesotho, before concluding the international window with a friendly against Ghana in Tangier.
Morocco Squad Breakdown:
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, Alaa Bellarouch.
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Anass Salah-Eddine, Marwane Saadane, Nayef Aguerd, Redouane Halhal, Issa Diop, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Achraf Hakimi, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Ali Maamar.
Midfielders: Samir El Mourabet, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Oussama Targalline, Bilal El Khannouss, Soufian El Faouzi, Azzedine Ounahi, Ismaël Saibari.
Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Yassine Gessime, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Abdellah Ouazane, Soufiane Rahimi, Tawfik Bentayeb, Yassir Zabiri.
As reported by cafonline.com.
