As the Moroccan national football team prepares for the imminent announcement of its roster, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has embarked on a scouting mission in England. With just two weeks remaining before he unveils his new squad, Ouahbi attended the Championship match between Watford and Coventry City at Vicarage Road this past Saturday, as reported by Santi Aouna, a journalist from Foot Mercato.
Observation of Key Player Othmane Maamma
During this crucial scouting trip, Ouahbi focused on observing Othmane Maamma, who has recently returned to competitive play after a three-week hiatus due to a quadriceps injury. Despite not being included in Ouahbi's initial lineup, where newcomers Ismaël Baouf, Gessime Yassine, and Yassir Zabiri—who triumphed as U20 World Champions last autumn—were selected, Maamma is eager to secure a spot in the upcoming roster for the Lions of the Atlas.
However, Maamma's performance in the match was underwhelming, mirroring the collective struggles of his team, which faced a staggering 0-4 defeat. The 20-year-old winger had a lackluster outing, managing to touch the ball 54 times but losing possession on 10 occasions. Furthermore, he failed to successfully complete any of his crosses or dribbles, raising concerns about his fitness and form as he approaches the impending roster announcement and the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Upcoming Matches and Preparation
Prior to the commencement of the global tournament, which is set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Morocco is scheduled to face either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago on June 2 in Rabat. This will be followed by a friendly match against Norway on June 7 in New York, serving as the final preparation before the competition begins. With significant stakes involved, Ouahbi's scouting efforts, particularly regarding Maamma's condition, will be pivotal in determining his final squad for the World Cup.
As reported by afrik-foot.com.
