U23 AFCON qualifiers: Othmane Maamma misses Morocco’s clash against Ethiopia due to flu

Morocco’s U23 national team have suffered a setback ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter against Ethiopia, with Othmane Maamma confirming that he will miss Thursday’s first-leg meeting due to illness.

The Moroccan international revealed that he had contracted flu following a 15-hour flight, ruling him out of the crucial encounter against the East African side.

Maama announced his absence through a message on his Snapchat account, explaining the circumstances behind his unavailability.

“After a flight that took 15 hours, I got the flu, so I will miss today’s match”.

Maama absence comes after long journey to Ethiopia

The winger’s withdrawal comes after Morocco’s U23 delegation arrived in Ethiopia on Wednesday morning ahead of the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie.

Head coach Jamal Ait Ben Idir had selected a 25-man squad for the two-legged encounter, with Maama’s absence representing an unexpected setback for the Atlas Cubs.

Morocco will now have to continue their preparations without the international as they seek a positive result away from home.

Atlas Cubs target advantage ahead of Rabat return leg

Despite Maama’s absence, Ait Ben Idir’s side will be determined to secure a favourable result in Ethiopia before the return fixture in Morocco.

The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off set for 3:30pm.

Morocco will be hoping to make the most of their home advantage in the return encounter as they pursue qualification for the next stage of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.