The Atlas Lions of Morocco are set to gather on Monday, September 21, at the Mohammed VI Complex in Salé, preparing for the qualifying matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. While changes within the squad are expected to be minimal, the team is likely to welcome back some of its key players.
As reported by medias24.com.
The Moroccan national team aimed for a monumental achievement as they arrived on American soil and reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where they faced elimination against France. Despite the painful defeat to Didier Deschamps' squad, coach Mohamed Ouahbi's players have captivated fans and garnered widespread support, continuing the momentum built during their last campaign.
This continuity indicates that the coach will rely on this group to embark on the journey toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in a year across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
The upcoming appointment for the Atlas Lions is set for September 21 at the Mohammed VI Complex in Salé, where they will prepare for their opening two qualifying matches against Gabon, Niger, and Lesotho. In truth, it seems almost assured that they will advance to the group stage, but Ouahbi will surely look to maintain an element of competition within the squad.
The unexpected emergence of certain players and the decline of others could always alter the dynamics of the team, which is a hallmark of national selection stories. Nevertheless, the core of the squad on which the coach will rely appears stable.
Goalkeeping and Defensive Dynamics
Yassine Bounou is undoubtedly considered Morocco's best goalkeeper in history, and there is no reason to believe this statement will change anytime soon, especially with rumors suggesting a move to a major European club during the summer transfer window. Munir El Kajoui should remain his deputy, provided he secures a club and maintains his competitive edge, as his contract is nearing its end.
El Mehdi Al Harrar, known for his remarkable mindset as well as his skills, will once again face competition from Yanis Benchaouch, who recently signed with Red Star in Ligue 2. The likelihood of Benchaouch making it to the senior team will depend on his status and performance within the Parisian club.
The Lions of the Atlas participated in the 2026 World Cup with two established internationals in their defensive wings, and it is unlikely that Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui will step back from their roles immediately. On the left side, competition remains relatively low, with Soufiane El Karouani and Anass Salah-Eddine yet to establish themselves firmly, while Youssef Belammari has not received significant opportunities.
However, these players represent favored fallback options in the eyes of the coach. The potential breakout of Fouad Zahouani at Ajax Amsterdam, who recently signed a contract until 2029 after transferring from Union Touarga for €500,000, is being anticipated.
In central defense, Issa Diop has emerged as a key figure in the backline and will be present in September alongside Chadi Riad, whose promising future in the national team will also depend on his playing time at Crystal Palace and his physical fitness. Diop is theoretically expected to partner with Nayef Aguerd, one of the significant absentees from the World Cup. Aguerd's return may not bode well for Redouane Halhal and Marwane Saâdane, who have slipped down the selection hierarchy. Both will need to contend with competition from a motivated Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.
Midfield and Attacking Strategies
The midfield remains densely packed, featuring Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Samir El Mourabet, all of whom represent both the present and the future of the squad. In this highly competitive area, Azzedine Ounahi has become indispensable, though his career choices will be closely monitored by the national team's technical staff. It is, however, unlikely that he will be absent in September.
Sofyan Amrabat no longer enjoys the same status he did four years ago when he was an undisputed starter; he is now a substitute. This drop in rank is not expected to demotivate him, but he will need a strong start to the season to avoid fading from the spotlight. The identity of his future club will also play a crucial role.
On the other hand, Bilal El Khannouss has stepped up significantly following his impressive performances in a left midfield role, where he filled in during Abdessamad Ezzalzouli's absence. He deserves an opportunity to showcase his talents in the number 10 position.
In terms of attack, this area has seen the most changes since Mohamed Ouahbi's arrival. The likes of Brahim Diaz and his younger teammates appear poised to have lasting impacts, including Gessime Yassine and Chemsdine Talbi. Although Talbi did not achieve the World Cup performance he hoped for after Abdessamad Ezzalzouli's knee injury, it is expected that the Sevilla player will be part of the squad along with Othmane Maama, given their intrinsic qualities.
Prolific during the group stage, Ismaïl Saibari can confidently consider himself a starter at the center forward position, especially if Hamza Igamane's return to form is delayed. Behind them, Soufiane Rahimi has established himself as a strong option, primarily as a super-sub. Among the potential returnees, Yassir Zabiri could also be a name to watch. Despite not being called up, he has wisely refrained from making rash statements that could jeopardize his future.
However, his inclusion in the squad will depend on his integration at Rennes or another club that offers him more playing time. If he excels, he may follow the path, as many before him have, from the U-23s to the senior team.
