Morocco squad: Ouahbi faces defensive reshuffle as new faces emerge

Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to make several changes to his Morocco squad when he names his selection for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho.

The head coach will announce his group at 11:00 on Thursday, 17 September, with Morocco due to host Gabon in Rabat on 25 September before travelling to Bloemfontein to face Lesotho four days later. One or two friendlies could also be arranged for early October.

The first squad since Morocco’s successful World Cup campaign is highly anticipated, but a number of senior players are doubtful because of suspensions, injuries or a lack of match fitness. That could create opportunities for several younger players already being considered for the camp.

Captain Achraf Hakimi is the most obvious absentee. He is suspended for two matches after incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal and is also recovering from an adductor injury sustained with Paris Saint-Germain. He could, however, be selected only for any potential friendlies.

Ismael Saibari must also serve a suspension, although it applies only to the match against Gabon, meaning Ouahbi could still call him up for the meeting with Lesotho.

Nayef Aguerd is short of fitness, while Youssef Belammari, Chadi Riad, Ayoub El Kaabi and Marouane Saadane are all unavailable because of injury. Sofyan Amrabat has also said publicly that he will no longer play for Morocco while the current head coach remains in charge.

There had been uncertainty over Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, but the winger played for more than an hour for Real Betis in Monday’s 2-1 win over Villarreal, so his inclusion cannot be ruled out.

Defensive opportunities

The biggest selection issue is likely to be in defence. Hakimi’s expected absence would open up the right-back position for Omar El Hilali, who has started Espanyol Barcelona’s first five La Liga matches this season. The 23-year-old made his Morocco debut in September 2025.

Mahmoud Bentayg is a less predictable possibility at left-back. The Zamalek player has started the Egyptian season with four assists and has the benefit of strong early-season form. In central defence, Ouahbi may have to rely on the players currently available if Aguerd, Riad and Saadane all miss out.

Up front, Yassir Zabiri has made a strong case for selection. On loan from Rennes at Racing Santander, the Morocco Under-20 World Cup winner has scored five goals in five La Liga matches, including a hat-trick and a double. Ouahbi knows him from their time working together at youth level, while El Kaabi’s absence could give him a clear opportunity.

Abdellah Ouazane is another long-term option. The Ajax midfielder was named the best player at the 2025 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, won by Morocco, and has recently reaffirmed his decision to represent the Atlas Lions. Ouahbi watched him play for Ajax after the teenager made that choice public.

A call-up for the 17-year-old would be unexpected, but would underline Morocco’s faith in its next generation, particularly with the Netherlands also a potential international alternative.

Younes Ebnoutalib’s position is less certain. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has scored three Bundesliga goals and is eligible for both Morocco and Germany. Until he makes a final decision and any administrative procedures are completed, his selection remains unlikely.

Ouahbi’s squad is not expected to represent a complete overhaul, but it should reveal whether he will retain Morocco’s established core or accelerate the promotion of players he has worked with at youth level.