The Moroccan national football team, known as the Lions of the Atlas, is poised to face Ecuador on March 27, 2026, in Madrid, adopting a youthful 4-2-3-1 formation. This strategic shift reflects the vision of head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who is eager to rejuvenate the squad.
As the team prepares for this pivotal match, the average age of the selected players is a mere 24.8 years, a significant decrease from the 27.1 years of the squad that participated in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). With 14 out of the 29 players under the age of 25, it is evident that Ouahbi is keen on infusing new energy into the team, signaling a new era in Moroccan football.
In goal, Yassine Bounou remains the undisputed choice despite his age of 34, as he lacks a credible challenger for the position. However, the central defense is set to undergo a substantial transformation. Although U20 World Champion Ismaël Baouf may not start, it is anticipated that Issa Diop will take on a veteran role, despite being only 28, contrasting sharply with the 28.5-year average age of the central defense during the 2025 CAN.
Reconstructing the Central Defense
Alongside Diop, the Moroccan coaching staff is likely to rely on Redouane Halhal, although Chadi Riad could also be considered despite his current lack of form. The full-back positions are expected to be filled by Achraf Hakimi on the right and Noussair Mazraoui on the left. In front of the defense, Ouahbi plans to implement a double pivot aimed at both bolstering the defense and facilitating swift transitions.
Ouahbi has expressed his intention to employ two defensive midfielders capable of both defending and rapidly initiating attacks, allowing the team to be adaptable across various formations. This strategy suggests that Morocco will indeed adopt the 4-2-3-1 system, with Azzedine Ounahi and Neil El Aynaoui likely holding the midfield roles.
While the system is crucial, the execution remains vital. The performance of the three attacking players supporting the striker will be pivotal. Bilal El Khannouss is expected to thrive in the number 10 role, while Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Brahim Díaz appear to be ahead in the pecking order on the wings. Up front, Ayoub El Kaabi is anticipated to lead the line, although he will face stiff competition from emerging talents like Yassir Zabiri. Soufiane Rahimi also retains a valuable profile, especially against teams like Ecuador that tend to leave spaces at the back.
The anticipated starting lineup for the match is as follows:
- Yassine Bounou;
- Achraf Hakimi - Issa Diop - Redouane Halhal - Noussair Mazraoui;
- Neil El Aynaoui - Azzedine Ounahi;
- Bilal El Khannouss;
- Brahim Díaz - Ayoub El Kaabi - Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
As reported by medias24.com.
