Wahbi unveils Morocco line-up for Niger match in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Morocco manager Mohamed Wahbi has named his starting XI for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Niger on 17 November 2026.

The Atlas Lions’ line-up combines established internationals with younger players, as Morocco seek an important result in front of a keenly interested home audience.

Yassine Bounou starts in goal, with Issa Diop, Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi forming the defence.

Ayoub Bouaddi, Oussama Targhalline and Yasser Zabiri are selected in midfield, while Bilal El Khannouss, Brahim Diaz and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli make up the attacking options.

Morocco starting XI

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou

Defenders: Issa Diop, Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui, Achraf Hakimi

Midfielders: Ayoub Bouaddi, Oussama Targhalline, Yasser Zabiri

Forwards: Bilal El Khannouss, Brahim Diaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli

Wahbi has placed his trust in Bounou’s experience and his record of producing important saves in major matches. The goalkeeper remains one of Morocco’s key figures and is viewed as the side’s first line of security.

The defence offers both physical strength and attacking threat. Hakimi and Mazraoui are expected to provide width and advance from the full-back positions, giving Morocco additional options when building attacks.

In midfield, the selection points to an emphasis on energy, pressing and linking the different areas of the team. It also provides an opportunity for several young players to make an impression in front of Moroccan supporters.

The attacking plan is described as highly positive, with El Khannouss, Brahim Diaz and Ezzalzouli operating behind the young Yasser Zabiri, who has been given an opportunity to demonstrate his finishing ability in the match.

The line-up reflects Wahbi’s preference for balancing defensive organisation with attacking ambition. It also combines experienced players expected to influence key moments with emerging talent seen as part of the future of Moroccan football.

Morocco will rely particularly on Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, both of whom are described as being in strong form for their clubs. Their pace, movement from wide areas, final passes and ability to shoot from outside the box are expected to pose the main threat to Niger.

There is also interest in the performances of Bouaddi, Targhalline and El Khannouss, who represent a new generation for the Atlas Lions. Their involvement underlines Morocco’s aim to show it has a broad pool of players rather than depending on one generation.

Niger approach the fixture hoping to cause an upset against one of Africa’s strongest sides. Their likely route to doing so will involve defensive organisation and counter-attacking football, while attempting to capitalise on any Moroccan mistakes.

The match has attracted substantial media and public attention, with many observers viewing it as a chance for Wahbi to test new tactical ideas and assess the readiness of several players before Morocco’s forthcoming major competitions.