Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has officially announced the squad for the national team’s upcoming matches against Niger and Zambia, with Neil El Aynaoui and Ilias Akhomach receiving their first senior call-ups.
The two fixtures form part of Morocco’s preparation for future international competitions, as Regragui continues to assess and integrate emerging talent into the senior setup.
The announcement was made on Wednesday through the Moroccan Football Federation’s official platforms, where the full list of selected players was unveiled via video.
Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, who has impressed with his performances in France, and winger Ilias Akhomach, currently based in Spain, represent a fresh injection of youth and dynamism into the squad.
Their inclusion highlights the coach’s intent to build a competitive and versatile team ahead of key international commitments.
Regragui’s selection blends experience with promising newcomers, maintaining a strong core of regular internationals while also giving opportunities to players who have shown significant development at club level.
The decision to call up El Aynaoui and Akhomach signals confidence in their readiness to contribute at the highest level and reflects the national team’s long-term vision.
Morocco’s matches against Niger and Zambia are scheduled as part of an international break window, providing an opportunity for tactical experimentation and squad rotation.
With the Atlas Lions having already established themselves as one of the continent’s leading teams following their historic World Cup semi-final run in Qatar, expectations remain high for continued progress and consistency.
The fixture against Niger is seen as a chance for the coaching staff to assess new players in a less pressurised environment, while the match against Zambia promises to be a more competitive test, given the Zambians’ physical style and recent rise in form.
El Aynaoui, known for his vision and composure in midfield, is expected to bring added creativity and balance to the team’s central play. Akhomach, a technically gifted wide player, is noted for his pace and flair, attributes that could add another dimension to Morocco’s attacking options.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm among Moroccan supporters, who have been eager to see how the next generation of talent will integrate with the experienced backbone of the national team. Regragui has previously stressed the importance of squad depth and versatility, and this latest selection underlines that philosophy.
The full squad list, published alongside the announcement video, includes a mix of Europe-based professionals and domestic league standouts. Training sessions are set to begin shortly, with the coaching staff focused on tactical cohesion and fitness levels ahead of the double-header.
Morocco’s consistent rise in global football rankings has been attributed to strategic planning, strong youth development, and an increasingly competitive pool of players. The call-ups of El Aynaoui and Akhomach are the latest step in that upward trajectory, as the Atlas Lions prepare for their next international challenge.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗟 ! La liste de Walid Regragui pour le prochain rassemblement de Septembre ! 💫🇲🇦
Qu’en pensez-vous ? pic.twitter.com/zy8wyu4TND
— TFT MOROCCO (@TFT_Morocco) August 28, 2025
