Morocco: Ouahbi weighs four options to replace injured Ounahi as number 10

Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi has identified four candidates to fill the number 10 role while Azzedine Ounahi is unavailable for the Atlas Lions’ upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Niger.

Morocco will face Niger in Casablanca on 13 November before the return fixture in Rabat on 17 November, with both matches forming part of the third and fourth rounds of qualification for CAN 2027.

Ounahi was left out of Ouahbi’s 26-man squad after undergoing surgery for a complete rupture of the biceps femoris tendon in his right thigh. The Panathinaikos midfielder is expected to be out for more than five months, with a return to action scheduled for late March or early April 2027.

Brahim Diaz appears to be the most natural candidate to take over the creative responsibilities in Ounahi’s absence. The Real Madrid player is frequently deployed on the right wing for both club and country, but he has also operated as a number 10.

Diaz performed in that position during the early stages of his Morocco career, although he did not completely convince former manager Walid Regragui in the role.

Ouahbi, speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, indicated that Diaz’s position is not yet certain. He also highlighted three versatile alternatives: Bilal El Khannouss of Stuttgart, Abdellah Ouazane of Ajax and Amine Sbai of Angers.

The Morocco manager’s task will be to decide which option provides the best balance for the team rather than simply selecting a direct replacement for Ounahi.

El Khannouss, Ouazane and Sbai therefore remain in contention alongside Diaz as Morocco prepare for the two fixtures against Niger. The absence of Ounahi means Ouahbi must reorganise the attacking midfield position during the November international window, with the final choice still open.