Morocco Call Up Hachim Mastour and Sofiane Boufal for 2017 AFCON Qualifiers
Morocco have named their squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with coach Badou Zaki handing call-ups to dual-nationality stars Hachim Mastour and Sofiane Boufal.
Mastour, the highly rated AC Milan attacking midfielder, has officially pledged his international future to the Atlas Lions. Assistant coach Mustapha Hadji confirmed the decision, telling Mountakhab that the 16-year-old chose Morocco “with his heart.”
Boufal, who impressed with Lille in Ligue 1, is also expected to join the national team once final administrative procedures regarding his switch from France are completed.
Speaking about the importance of commitment, Hadji made it clear that representing Morocco must be a matter of pride and passion.
“I’m not here to convince anyone. Players must feel honoured to represent their country. We don’t want those who see this call-up as a personal gain,” Hadji said. “For Mastour, he’s a good example. He came because he truly wants to wear the Moroccan jersey.”
Hadji stressed that the national team is for those who are ready to give, not take. “The national team gives nothing to players who don’t love it. That kind of mindset has no place here.”
Morocco will begin their AFCON qualifying campaign aiming to return to the top of African football under Zaki’s leadership.
