Morocco coach Mohamed Ouabhi justifies Samir Mourabit and Yassine Gessime call-ups

Mohamed Ouahbi, the head coach of Morocco, held a press conference on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex to announce his squad for two upcoming international friendlies at the end of the month.

Speaking about the inclusion of Samir Mourabit, Ouahbi emphasised his experience and readiness for the senior team.

“He has played more than Yassine Gessime in the under-20 national team, and I know him very well.

“He is a strong player with good potential and knows how to handle pressure, and he has also improved a lot in regaining possession of the ball,” the coach said.

Ouahbi also noted that Mourabit had been set to participate in the Under-20 World Cup in Chile, but his club, Strasbourg, had refused to release him at the time.

On Gessime, Ouahbi added, “You know Gessime well, he has good potential and is developing day by day, so they are two players who will be a great addition to us.”

The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face Ecuador in a friendly on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Madrid, Spain, followed by a match against Paraguay on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Lens, France.

It was also announced that former player Youssef Hadji has joined the technical staff as the second assistant coach, working alongside first assistant Joao Sacramento.