Five young players could miss Morocco’s AFCON qualifiers to boost Olympic squad

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi is reportedly preparing to make five young players available to the Olympic squad, allowing them to focus on the country’s upcoming Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

According to Moroccan newspaper Al Mountakhab, the players are Ali Maamar, Ayoub Bouaddi, Yassir Zabiri, Yassine Gessime and Samir Mourabit.

The reported decision would mean the five players miss Morocco’s two November matches against Niger in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The tournament will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Morocco strengthen U23 squad ahead of qualifiers

The move is intended to bolster Morocco’s Olympic team ahead of the second round of qualifying for the Africa U23 Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to take place in Egypt next year.

The continental tournament will also serve as a qualifying competition for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States, raising the stakes for Morocco’s young players as they seek to secure a place at the global event.

Making the five footballers available to the U23 side would give the team additional options as it prepares for the qualifying campaign.

Senior team prepares for Niger fixtures

While the reported arrangement would strengthen the Olympic squad, Morocco’s senior team would continue its preparations for the two November fixtures against Niger without the five players.

The move also points to coordination between the senior and Olympic teams as Morocco manages the international commitments of its emerging talents ahead of separate continental competitions.

However, the proposed selections and arrangements have yet to receive official confirmation from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).