Morocco national team coach announces squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Morocco national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi has announced a 29-man squad for the upcoming international window, featuring several new faces and returning veterans. The selection is intended for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho, as well as a friendly match against Ghana.

Key highlights of the squad include the inclusion of 17-year-old Ajax Amsterdam talent Abdellah Ouazzane and Schalke 04 midfielder Soufiane El Faouzi. Other new or returning names include goalkeeper Alaa Bellarouch, Ali Maamar, Yassir Zabiri, and Tawfik Bentayeb. Established stars such as Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, and Brahim Diaz remain central to the roster.

Ouahbi addressed specific player situations, noting that Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari were called up despite ongoing suspensions, as the coach views their presence as vital for long-term preparation. He also clarified that the absence of Sofyan Amrabat is due to competitiveness rather than conflict. The team is scheduled to face Gabon on September 25 in Rabat, followed by Lesotho on September 29, and Ghana on October 4 in Tangier.

Separately, the Morocco U17 team is preparing for its own AFCON 2027 qualifying group in Tunisia, where they will face Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya.