Morocco’s Mohamed Ouahbi to assess European-based stars before AFCON 2027 squad announcement

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi is reportedly planning a tour of Europe in the first week of September as he prepares to name his squad for the Atlas Lions’ upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ouahbi is expected to use the trip to meet Moroccan players based across Europe and assess their form, fitness and adaptation to new clubs before making his final selection.

Ouahbi to assess Morocco’s European-based players

The Morocco coach is reportedly planning meetings with several players who changed clubs during the recent transfer window.

The visits would give Ouahbi and his technical team an opportunity to assess how the players have settled into their new surroundings and gather information ahead of the next international break.

The coach is also expected to monitor players who have recently returned from injury, as well as those who have impressed during the opening stages of the new season.

Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Abdellah Ouazane and Soufiane El-Faouzi are among the players reportedly attracting Ouahbi’s attention as he considers expanding his options for the national team.

Fitness checks on key Morocco players

Physical condition is also expected to feature prominently during the European trip.

Ouahbi could check on the fitness of experienced defenders Nayef Aguerd and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, both of whom could have important roles to play for Morocco during the upcoming international fixtures.

The tour would give the coach a final opportunity to gather information on the availability and readiness of his players before selecting the squad.

Morocco begin AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign

The Atlas Lions are preparing to open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Gabon and Lesotho.

Morocco will host Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on 25 September, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.

The Atlas Lions will then travel to South Africa to face Lesotho at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on 29 September. That match is scheduled for 13:00 GMT.

With the squad announcement drawing closer, Ouahbi’s planned European tour could prove crucial as he weighs his options and decides which Moroccan players will form part of his group for the opening AFCON qualifiers.