The Moroccan national team will have to cope without one of its key midfielders, Amine Harit, for the upcoming international fixtures. The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face Malawi in a crucial match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, before taking on Argentina in a prestigious friendly encounter. However, Harit will not be part of Hervé Renard’s squad for either match due to injury.
Initially included in the list of players called up by the Moroccan head coach, the Schalke 04 midfielder was forced to withdraw after suffering an injury during club duty. Following medical examinations, the technical staff decided not to take any risks with the player’s fitness, opting instead for his replacement ahead of the two important fixtures.
To fill the gap left by Harit’s absence, Hervé Renard has turned to Walid El Karti, the experienced midfielder from Wydad Casablanca. A regular performer in Moroccan domestic football, El Karti has also made his mark on the continental stage with Wydad, particularly in the CAF Champions League, where his leadership and consistency have been crucial for the Casablanca-based club.
The absence of Amine Harit represents a setback for Morocco, especially given his creativity and ability to link midfield and attack. The former Nantes player has become an important element in the Atlas Lions’ setup thanks to his technical quality, vision, and ability to operate between the lines. His withdrawal means Renard will have to adjust his midfield options, particularly for the friendly against Argentina, where Morocco is expected to face intense pressure from a world-class opponent.
Despite this blow, Morocco remains well positioned for the AFCON qualifiers. The match against Malawi is of particular importance, as it will determine Morocco’s chances of securing qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The Atlas Lions are keen to finish the qualifying campaign strongly and avoid any last-minute complications. Playing without Harit will require greater responsibility from the rest of the midfield, especially from players expected to provide creativity and control.
Walid El Karti’s inclusion offers Renard a different profile. Less flashy than Harit, El Karti is known for his tactical discipline, physical presence, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His experience with Wydad Casablanca, a club accustomed to high-pressure matches at continental level, could prove valuable, particularly in maintaining balance within the team.
The friendly match against Argentina, meanwhile, is seen as a major test and an opportunity for Morocco to measure itself against one of the world’s elite national teams. Although the result is secondary, the encounter will allow the coaching staff to assess squad depth, test tactical variations, and give opportunities to players like El Karti to prove their worth on the international stage.
For Amine Harit, the priority now is recovery. The Moroccan international will aim to return to full fitness as quickly as possible to continue his progress with both club and country. His absence from this international window is disappointing, but the medical staff and coaching team are determined to ensure he returns without risk of aggravating the injury.
As Morocco prepares for these two important matches, the focus remains on collective strength and adaptability. While Harit’s withdrawal is unfortunate, it also provides an opportunity for others to step up and demonstrate their readiness to contribute to the Atlas Lions’ ambitions on the road to AFCON 2019 and beyond.
