Amine Harit left out by Morocco again as Mohamed Ouahbi defends decision

Despite a return to form with Olympique de Marseille and a growing injury list affecting Morocco, Amine Harit has once again been omitted from the national squad.

The decision has caused surprise in Morocco, with head coach Mohamed Ouahbi having to explain the absence of the 29-year-old attacking midfielder three times during his news conference.

Almost two years after his most recent international appearance, the former Nantes player appears no closer to a return to the Lions of the Atlas. His omission is particularly notable because several established attacking players are unavailable for the two matches against Niger on 13 and 17 November.

Ouahbi said the decision reflected both competition for places and his desire to give younger players a more prominent role in the squad.

“Today, on the right, we have players who have confirmed their ability with the national team or are performing well at club level, and players to whom we want to give more continuity,” he said.

The coach also highlighted the potential of players he believes can develop within the national set-up.

“We have prioritised young players who have great potential and are already performing well,” Ouahbi added, specifically mentioning Gessime Yassine and Ayoub Oufkir, who has received his first call-up.

The explanation did not satisfy every journalist at the press conference. Ouahbi was asked twice more about Harit, with questions focusing on whether the Marseille player could be used centrally or on the left, two other positions in which he can operate.

The manager again defended his approach, saying he wanted to give several young players opportunities in those areas. He suggested that delaying their integration could make it more difficult to establish them before the next Africa Cup of Nations.

That policy has also divided Moroccan supporters. Some cannot understand why Harit remains outside the squad after scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist for Olympique de Marseille in the league, while players with a similar profile, such as Amine Sbai, have been trusted despite having less exposure to the highest level of European football.

Harit’s age is another factor in the debate. At 29, he is not a veteran approaching the end of his career, while his current form and experience in Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and European competitions could offer Morocco an important option, particularly with injuries affecting the squad.

However, Ouahbi’s repeated explanations point to a clear strategy. The coach appears ready to invest in younger players and establish them as long-term members of his project.

Unlike Youssef En-Nesyri, who was recalled after withdrawals in his position, Harit currently remains outside the manager’s plans.

Unless the situation changes, his opportunity to return to the Lions of the Atlas appears to have passed for now at least while Ouahbi remains in charge.