Strong Start to CAN 2027 Qualification
The Atlas Lions have embarked on their qualification journey for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) with remarkable success. They achieved a solid victory against Gabon with a score of 2-0 in Rabat, followed by another impressive 2-0 win against Lesotho in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Under the guidance of coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the team has accumulated full points while showcasing two significantly different lineups.
In these initial matches, the national coach took the opportunity to rotate his squad, experimenting with various player combinations, and granting playing time, as well as first starts, to new or less utilized players. However, the upcoming match against Mali presents a different scenario. Although it is classified as a friendly, the Eagles are expected to pose a more formidable challenge, providing the Lions with a valuable opportunity to gauge their performance against a team accustomed to continental competitions.
Establishing a Core Team
Despite the numerous changes made during the matches against Gabon and Lesotho, Ouahbi has a clearly defined core team. During the 2026 World Cup, a preferred lineup gradually emerged, anchored by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Defensively, Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, and Noussair Mazraoui formed a solid backline. In midfield, the trio of Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Azzedine Ounahi established themselves as pivotal players throughout the tournament.
In attack, Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari were instrumental, alongside Bilal El Khannouss, who played a crucial role in Morocco's World Cup journey after stepping in for the injured Abdessamad Ezzalzouli. Now back in action, Abde reclaimed his starting position against Gabon, allowing Ouahbi to reassemble much of the World Cup's foundational lineup. However, some key absences, particularly in defense, disrupt the continuity.
Chadi Riad, who had established himself as a reliable center-back alongside Issa Diop, is currently sidelined due to injury. Nayef Aguerd was initially the preferred replacement, but a physical setback after the Gabon game has complicated matters. Moreover, Noussair Mazraoui's injury during the match against Lesotho has led to his departure from the national squad, making him unavailable for the Mali match. These defensive gaps require Ouahbi to reconsider his backline strategy, as Mazraoui was a vital part of his World Cup formations.
Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, who started against Lesotho, could be a potential solution in defense, along with Redouane Halhal, who has been utilized previously. Marouane Saadane also represents an option after being called up as a reserve for the World Cup, later joining the main squad following Aguerd's withdrawal.
Re-establishing Team Dynamics
Following two matches where the coach extensively rotated his players, the upcoming encounter with Mali offers an opportunity to reunite the core group that found their rhythm during the World Cup. The objective is no longer to construct a starting eleven; that framework is already in place. Instead, the focus shifts toward restoring the synergy and continuity that enabled the Lions to thrive during the World Cup.
While the rotations against Gabon and Lesotho allowed Ouahbi to explore different player profiles and expand his tactical options, excessive changes could risk losing the collective cohesion that has been developed over time. Facing a Malian team that is likely to present more of a challenge, re-establishing this core would be crucial in testing the Lions against a more demanding opponent than those faced in the earlier qualifying matches.
The friendly nature of the upcoming match may encourage Ouahbi to continue experimenting with his lineup. Since the beginning of this gathering, the coach has expressed his desire to involve as many players as possible and diversify his options. Nevertheless, after the encounters with Gabon and Lesotho, the match against Mali also represents a chance to solidify certain certainties. The trials conducted have widened the coach's tactical arsenal, making this match essential to assess whether the hierarchy established during the World Cup remains intact.
Ultimately, the outcome will matter, even in a friendly context, but the choices made by Mohamed Ouahbi will be closely scrutinized. After two matches characterized by rotations, the duel against Mali should provide new insights into the current hierarchy. Mohamed Ouahbi has laid a foundation during the World Cup; now, it remains to be seen whether he will rely on that foundation again, despite the defensive absences, or continue to reshuffle his cards.
As reported by sport.le360.ma.
