En-Nesyri return gives Morocco more attacking options, says Mahmoudi

Mohamed Ouahbi has named a 26-man Morocco squad for two matches against Niger on 13 and 17 November, with former international Mohamed Salem Mahmoudi saying the return of Youssef En-Nesyri gives the coach greater tactical flexibility.

The fixtures are part of the third and fourth rounds of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the squad was announced at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Wednesday.

Africafoot asked Mahmoudi, who played for Mouloudia de Marrakech and Wydad Casablanca between 1977 and 1990, to assess Ouahbi’s selections. The former midfielder also spent time with Lazio Rome in Italy and Qadsia Sporting Club in Kuwait before continuing his career in the Omani league.

Since retiring, Mahmoudi has worked as a football analyst, earning recognition for his technical assessments on Moroccan sports television. His views remain respected in Marrakech, Wydad and wider Moroccan football circles.

He believes the squad combines continuity with an opportunity for new players, offering a range of complementary qualities. However, Mahmoudi says the success of the selection will depend on whether Ouahbi can bring the individuals together in a balanced and coherent team.

En-Nesyri provides a different attacking threat

Mahmoudi regards En-Nesyri’s return as one of the most significant features of the squad. He says Morocco needed a striker with a different set of qualities, particularly in the air, in his positioning inside the penalty area and in his ability to run behind defenders.

That would allow Ouahbi to vary the team’s attacking approach. Rather than relying mainly on short combinations and attempts to get around opponents on the wings, Morocco could make greater use of crosses and more direct passes towards the front line.

Mahmoudi also welcomed the first senior call-up for Ayoub Oufkir. He considers it important to widen the selection pool and give emerging players an opportunity. Oufkir’s pace and ability in one-on-one situations could benefit the squad, although Mahmoudi believes his integration should be gradual as he adjusts to the demands of international football.

Midfield options bring selection challenge

The midfield contains a broad range of profiles, including Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Oussama Targhalline, Bilal El Khannouss and Reda Belahyane. Mahmoudi sees considerable technical and physical potential in the group.

The challenge, he says, will be finding the right balance between recovering possession and building attacks. Individual quality alone will not be enough unless the players have clearly defined responsibilities and develop an understanding with one another.

At the back, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd provide experience and defensive strength, while other options give Ouahbi additional flexibility. Mahmoudi nevertheless warned that spaces can appear behind attacking full-backs, an issue Morocco must manage because their forward runs are central to creating attacking overloads.

In attack, Brahim Diaz, Abde Ezzalzouli, Yassir Zabiri, Gessime Yassine, En-Nesyri and Oufkir offer different solutions, from penalty-area presence to movement, pace and individual duels.

Mahmoudi sees the Niger matches as an important opportunity for Ouahbi to test his choices. The key issue, he says, will be creating a balanced team with a clear playing identity.