Villarreal winger Ilias Akhomach earns late Morocco call up amid Brahim Diaz fitness concerns

Villarreal right winger Ilias Akhomach has been handed late Morocco call-up as coach Mohamed Ouahbi strengthens his squad ahead of the opening two matchdays of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Akhomach was summoned to join the Atlas Lions’ training camp in Maâmora on Tuesday as Morocco step up preparations for their opening qualifier against Gabon on September 25.

The call-up comes amid uncertainty over the fitness of Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz.

The highly-profiled attacker is reportedly facing a fitness concern just days before Morocco’s meeting with the Panthers, prompting Ouahbi to bring in additional attacking options as he finalises his squad for the upcoming international fixtures.

Akhomach’s inclusion provides the Morocco coach with another versatile option on the right flank and in attacking areas. The Villarreal winger can offer pace, direct running and creativity, giving Ouahbi greater flexibility in how he sets up his team.

The 22-year-old has previously represented Morocco at senior level and will now have another opportunity to establish himself within the national team setup.

Morocco are preparing for a busy international window, beginning with the AFCON qualifier against Gabon before facing their second opponent in the qualification campaign.

The Atlas Lions are also scheduled to play an international friendly against Ghana during the same window, giving Ouahbi further opportunities to assess his squad and different tactical combinations.

With Akhomach now joining the camp, Ouahbi has increased his attacking options ahead of the opening fixtures.

The decision also ensures that Morocco have additional cover should Diaz be unable to feature or be limited because of his fitness situation.

Akhomach will now join his international teammates in Maâmora as Morocco look to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign strongly and continue preparations for the matches that follow.