Morocco coach Mohamed Wahbi plans squad changes for September AFCON qualifiers

Morocco coach Mohamed Wahbi is reportedly planning several changes to his squad for the upcoming international break as the Atlas Lions prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Morocco are scheduled to face Gabon and Lesotho on 25 and 28 September respectively, with both matches set to be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.

According to reports in the Moroccan media, Wahbi is considering resting several experienced players while handing opportunities to a number of promising youngsters who have impressed with Morocco’s youth national teams.

The move would allow the coaching staff to assess emerging talents while managing the workload of key members of the senior squad ahead of a busy period of international football.

Moroccan newspaper Al-Mountakhab reports that Youssef Belamri, who plays for Al-Ahli, could be among those given a break. Ayoub El Kaabi, Sofyan Amrabat and Marouane Saadane are also reportedly being considered for rest.

Goalkeeper Munir Al-Mohammadi could likewise be left out of the two matches, with French club Red Star goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch being considered for an opportunity with the senior team.

Wahbi is also reportedly monitoring several players who impressed during Morocco’s participation in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

Among the youngsters being considered for promotion to the senior squad are Othman Maama, Ismail Baouf, Yasser Zabiri and Ali Muammar.

Several Morocco-based and overseas professionals who have caught the attention of the coaching staff in recent months could also receive their first opportunity at senior international level.

The proposed changes form part of Wahbi’s plans to expand his pool of players and build greater depth within the national team.

While the Atlas Lions will remain focused on making a strong start to their AFCON qualifying campaign, the September fixtures could provide an important platform for the country’s emerging talents to prove they are ready for senior international football.

Wahbi is therefore expected to use the matches against Gabon and Lesotho to strike a balance between maintaining Morocco’s competitive level and giving opportunities to players who could become important members of the national team in the futu