2027 AFCON qualifiers: Anderlecht striker Tawfik Bentayeb cleared to travel for Morocco duty after head scare

Anderlecht striker Tawfik Bentayeb has been medically cleared to join Morocco’s squad after reassuring tests following a head collision in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Zulte Waregem.

Bentayeb was taken to hospital after being forced off during Anderlecht’s victory at Lotto Park, but examinations ruled out both a concussion and a fracture, allowing him to travel for Morocco’s upcoming international fixtures.

The 24-year-old suffered the blow during an intense duel with Laurent Lemoine shortly after opening the scoring for Anderlecht. He was also involved in the move that produced the second goal before the collision left him unable to continue.

Anderlecht took no chances with the forward and sent him to the emergency room for further assessment. After several hours under observation, Bentayeb was discharged at 2 a.m. following reassuring medical results.

His condition means his place in Mohamed Ouahbi’s Morocco squad remains intact, with the striker authorised to make the trip and link up with the national team.

However, Bentayeb will have to undergo an individual recovery programme in line with FIFA’s medical protocol following a head injury.

The programme is expected to last between seven and 10 days, meaning his availability to play will depend on completing that process and receiving the necessary medical clearance.

Striker arrives in strong form

Bentayeb heads into the international break having made a strong start to life at Anderlecht since joining the Belgian club from Troyes during the summer.

He scored against Zulte Waregem after finding the net in the previous league match against Mechelen, where his goal secured a 1-0 victory for Anderlecht.

His back-to-back goals underline the form that earned him his move to Belgium after a prolific campaign in France.

Bentayeb finished last season as Ligue 2’s top scorer with Troyes, strengthening his reputation as one of Morocco’s emerging attacking options.

His development began at the Mohammed VI Football Academy before spells with Union Touarga and a move to France.

He has already represented Morocco at senior level, scoring in a friendly against Burundi earlier this year.

First official call-up

Ouahbi’s latest selection is significant for Bentayeb as it marks his first official call-up for competitive international football.

The Anderlecht forward was named in Morocco’s 29-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho, as well as the friendly against Ghana.

Morocco will begin the campaign at home to Gabon in Rabat on September 25 before travelling to Bloemfontein to face Lesotho four days later.

The Atlas Lions will then conclude the international period with the friendly against Ghana in Tangier on October 4.

While Bentayeb’s medical protocol will determine when he can feature on the pitch, his latest assessment has removed the immediate concern over his participation in the international camp.

He is therefore expected to travel to join Ouahbi’s squad, with Morocco retaining the services of one of its in-form attacking players as preparations begin for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.