Morocco Gears Up for AFCON 2015 with October Friendlies and Return of Benatia
In preparation for hosting the 2015 African Cup of Nations, Morocco has unveiled its squad for two crucial October friendlies — against the Central African Republic and Kenya. These matches will serve as key tune-ups as the Atlas Lions aim to sharpen their form ahead of their home tournament.
✅ Benatia Returns to Reinforce the Defense
A major highlight of the call-up is the return of Medhi Benatia, the Bayern Munich defender and team leader, who had missed the previous international window. His presence is expected to bring both experience and stability to the back line.
❌ Bellarabi Still Undecided
Meanwhile, Karim Bellarabi, the talented Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, remains a topic of national discussion. Although he initially accepted to join Morocco, he is now requesting more time to choose between representing Morocco or Germany, with Joachim Löw reportedly monitoring his progress.
🧤 Goalkeepers:
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Anas Zniti (AS FAR)
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Yassine Bounou (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
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Mohamed El Youssfi (Moghreb Tétouan)
🛡️ Defenders:
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Mehdi Benatia (Bayern Munich, Germany)
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Manuel Da Costa (Sivasspor, Turkey)
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Ahmed Kantari (Lens, France)
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Mohamed Oulhaj (Raja Casablanca)
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Mohamed Abarhoun (Moghreb Tétouan)
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Ayoub El Khaliki (FAR Rabat)
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Achraf Lazaar (Palermo, Italy)
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Adil El Karrouchi (Raja Casablanca)
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Abderrahim Achakhir (FAR Rabat)
🧠 Midfielders:
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Adil Hermach (Al-Wahda, UAE)
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Mehdi Karnass (Aalesund, Norway)
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Karim El Ahmadi (Aston Villa, England)
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Abdelaziz Barrada (Marseille, France)
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Omar El Kaddouri (Torino, Italy)
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Younès Belhanda (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine)
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Nordin Amrabat (Galatasaray, Turkey)
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Nabil Dirar (Monaco, France)
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Mbark Boussoufa (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)
🎯 Forwards:
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Aatif Chahechouhe (Sivasspor, Turkey)
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Abderazak Hamdallah (Guangzhou FC, China)
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Zakaria Hadraf (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi)
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Mouhcine Iajour (Moghreb Tétouan)
🔍 Key Takeaways:
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Morocco is fielding a balanced squad with a blend of local and international experience.
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The return of Medhi Benatia boosts Morocco’s defensive leadership.
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Bellarabi’s case remains open, keeping fans and officials hopeful.
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The friendlies will be critical in shaping the final squad for AFCON 2015.
All eyes now turn to the upcoming friendlies — a chance to test strategies, assess form, and build cohesion ahead of Morocco’s big moment as AFCON 2015 hosts.
