Morocco set for squad shake-up as El Kaabi, Rahimi and El Kajoui reportedly face AFCON qualifier omission

Morocco head coach Mohammed Ouahbi is reportedly preparing to make major changes to the Atlas Lions squad ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Ayoub El Kaabi, Sofiane Rahimi and goalkeeper Munir El Kajoui among those expected to miss the upcoming squad.

According to Moroccan sports newspaper Al Mountakhab, Ouahbi is considering leaving out several players who were regular members of the national team under former coach Walid Regragui.

The reported changes form part of an effort to introduce younger players and begin shaping a new-look Morocco side ahead of the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Ouahbi looks to inject fresh energy

The Morocco coach is reportedly keen to give opportunities to a number of emerging talents as he begins his tenure with the Atlas Lions.

Al Mountakhab reports that Ouahbi has discussed his plans with Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) president Fouzi Lekjaa, with both understood to be seeking to bring fresh energy into the national team.

Among the young players who could benefit are Yasser Zabiri, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal and Othmane Maamma.

The potential changes would represent a significant shift from the squad that featured prominently under Regragui, as Ouahbi looks to build a team capable of competing at the next major continental tournament.

Aguerd set for return

While some established players could be left out, defender Nayef Aguerd is reportedly in line for a return to the Atlas Lions squad.

Raja Casablanca goalkeeper Mehdi Harar is also expected to retain his place as Morocco begin preparations for their next competitive assignment.

The reported inclusion of younger players alongside experienced figures such as Aguerd suggests Ouahbi could seek to combine fresh talent with established international experience.

Gabon await Morocco in first qualifier

Morocco’s first competitive test under Ouahbi in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign will come against Gabon.

The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face the Panthers in Libreville on 25 September.

The fixture will offer the first competitive indication of how Ouahbi intends to reshape the squad and whether his plans to introduce younger players will translate into changes on the pitch.

With El Kaabi, Rahimi and El Kajoui reportedly facing exclusion, the upcoming squad announcement could mark the beginning of a new era for Morocco as they look towards the 2027 AFCON.