Morocco announce squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Niger

Morocco have announced their squad for the upcoming double-header against Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and Yassine Bounou among the players selected.

The Atlas Lions will face Niger twice in November as they look to strengthen their position in the qualifying group and maintain their push for a place at the next continental tournament.

The first meeting is scheduled for November 13 at 21:00, with the return fixture taking place on November 17 at the same time.

The squad combines several established internationals with younger players who will be looking to establish themselves in the national team.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi is included in the defensive department, alongside Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd, Issa Diop and Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal.

Yassine Bounou also features among the four goalkeepers selected for the two matches. He will compete for a place alongside Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti and Alaa Bellaarouch.

In midfield, the coaching staff have called upon Neil El Aynaoui, Oussama Targhalline, Bilal El Khannouss and Reda Belahyane.

Brahim Diaz is another notable inclusion, with the Real Madrid midfielder expected to provide creativity and attacking support from the middle of the pitch.

The attacking department includes Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Youssef En-Nesyri, Yassine Gessime, Ayoub Oufkir and Yassir Zabiri.

The selection also provides an opportunity for several emerging talents to gain further experience at international level as Morocco prepare for their two important qualifying fixtures.

The technical team will be hoping the selected players can deliver positive results against Niger and strengthen Morocco’s position in the race to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.

With two matches scheduled within four days, the Atlas Lions will need consistency across both encounters to achieve their objectives.

Below is the complete list of players selected for the November international window.

Morocco’s full squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, Alaa Bellaarouch.

Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Anass Salah-Eddine, Souffian El Karouani, Nayef Aguerd, Redouane Halhal, Issa Diop, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Achraf Hakimi, Ali Maamar, Ayoub Bouaddi.

Midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui, Oussama Targhalline, Bilal El Khannouss, Reda Belahyane, Amine Sbai, Abdellah Ouazane, Brahim Diaz.

Forwards: Yassine Gessime, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Ayoub Oufkir, Yassir Zabiri, Youssef En-Nesyri.