Morocco’s upcoming match against Congo on Tuesday in Agadir, part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, head coach Walid Regragui expressed high praise for two of the Atlas Lions’ promising young players during a press conference on Monday.
Emphasizing Team Balance
Regragui underscored the importance of team balance, a principle he believes is critical for the success of any national team.
“The most important thing is the balance of the group,” he stated. He elaborated that technical quality is a key criterion for inclusion in the squad, irrespective of a player’s age or reputation.
“If a player is capable of providing technical quality, he integrates it without hesitation,” Regragui affirmed.
Rising Star: Eliesse Ben Seghir
One of the standout young talents Regragui highlighted is Eliesse Ben Seghir. At just 19 years old, with three international caps and one goal, the AS Monaco forward has quickly captured the coach’s attention.
Despite his limited experience in Ligue 1, Ben Seghir’s dynamic and technical playing style has proven valuable. “He gives us more balance in attack.
With him, we have more options at the offensive level,” Regragui remarked. Ben Seghir’s recent performance, including scoring against Zambia in a 2-1 victory, underscores his potential.
Midfield Prospect: Oussama El Azzouzi
Regragui also commended 23-year-old Oussama El Azzouzi, a defensive midfielder from Bologna in Serie A. El Azzouzi, with three caps for Morocco, is seen as a vital addition to the midfield.
“A player of the future for the national team,” Regragui said, noting El Azzouzi’s capacity to add significant athletic intensity to the squad.
With established players like Sofiane Amrabat, El Azzouzi’s presence is expected to bolster Morocco’s midfield strength.
“With the presence of Sofiane Amrabat, we will have an athletic intensity which will certainly make the difference,” Regragui added.
Looking Ahead
As Morocco prepares to face Congo, the integration of young talents like Ben Seghir and El Azzouzi reflects Regragui’s strategy to build a balanced and technically proficient team.
Given their recent performances and the coach’s confidence, these players are likely to be instrumental in the upcoming match.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these emerging stars contribute to Morocco’s quest for World Cup qualification.
