Morocco midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi vows to give everything for Atlas Lions

Morocco midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi says he is ready to give everything for the Atlas Lions after earning a place in Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Schalke 04 midfielder previously joined Morocco’s training camp in May and has now been included in the 29-man squad for the upcoming matches against Gabon and Lesotho.

“I am very happy. I was here in May during the training camp. I loved the place and the atmosphere. It was a wonderful experience, with a very high level of quality,” El-Faouzi said in comments shared by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

The 24-year-old said his previous experience with the national team made his latest selection particularly special.

“I was very happy when I learned that I was part of the final squad for the upcoming matches and the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers,” he added.

“I am very happy and proud, and I want to give my best to help the team.”

El-Faouzi impressed by Morocco’s rise

El-Faouzi praised Morocco’s development as a major force in international football, highlighting the Atlas Lions’ performances at the World Cup and the strong backing they receive from supporters.

“Morocco is a great footballing nation. We saw that when the national team reached the World Cup quarter-finals, and we also witnessed the incredible support from Moroccan fans,” he said.

The Schalke midfielder believes the players must repay that support with their performances on the pitch.

“That is very important for us as players. We must give our best and do everything possible to take the Moroccan national team as far as possible.”

El-Faouzi ended his message with a declaration of his commitment to the national team.

“I want to fight for my country. I am ready. We are the Lions, the Atlas Lions,” he declared.

Speaking in Moroccan Darija, the midfielder also reiterated his happiness at being part of the squad and expressed his desire to continue receiving the support of the Moroccan fans.

Morocco begin 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign

El-Faouzi is part of Ouahbi’s 29-man squad for Morocco’s first two matches in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Atlas Lions will begin their campaign against Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on September 25.

They will then travel to Bloemfontein, South Africa, to face Lesotho on September 29.

The two fixtures will provide El-Faouzi with another opportunity to gain international experience as he looks to establish himself in Ouahbi’s Morocco squad.