As the first African nation in history to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, Morocco is once again under the spotlight for the upcoming World Cup edition. Drawn into a challenging group alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, the Atlas Lions find themselves at a pivotal moment in their journey. Following the departure of Walid Regragui, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has placed its trust in Mohamed Ouahbi, the former U20 national team coach and a victor of the World Cup. He took charge of the senior team in March and has since been racing against time to prepare the squad.
With just a few months left before the World Cup kicks off, the ex-Anderlecht coach is tasked with rebuilding the team. To this end, he adopted a somewhat unconventional approach prior to announcing his squad list this Tuesday. In collaboration with his staff, the 49-year-old coach organized a pre-selection training camp to evaluate several players and finalize his choices. This camp also served to give certain players, who are almost guaranteed spots on the final roster, like the newly-capped international Ayyoub Bouaddi, a head start in their preparation for the World Cup.
A Compelling Squad with Notable Names
On Tuesday evening, Mohamed Ouahbi unveiled his squad for the World Cup, which includes key players such as Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd, Brahim Díaz, and Azzedine Ounahi. In the attacking department, the Moroccan coach can rely on Betis winger Abde Ez and the Eredivisie's standout player Ismael Saibari. Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has chosen to represent Morocco, is also a notable presence in the midfield.
This squad announcement also features several surprises. In defense, newcomers Zakaria El Ouahdi and Redouane Halhal have been called up and will be part of the team traveling across the Atlantic. Issa Diop also makes an appearance on the roster. Up front, Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab of Eintracht Frankfurt has garnered attention with his selection. Among the reserves, Amine Sbaï, who has had an impressive season with Angers, is included, while Sofiane Boufal, despite a promising half-season with Le Havre, misses out, as do Youssef En-Nesyri and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.
The Final 26-Man Roster
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (FAR Rabat)
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven), Mohamed Belammari (Al-Ahly), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Nayef Aguerd (OM), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Redouane Halhal (Malines), Issa Diop (Fulham)
Midfielders: Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), Neil El Aynaoui (AS Roma), Sofyan Amrabat (Fenerbahce), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland), Abde Ezzalzouli (Bétis)
Forwards: Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Ain), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiakos), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Gessime Yassine (Strasbourg), Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab (Eintracht Francfort)
As reported by footmercato.net.
