Mohamed Ouahbi could be without as many as seven players when he names his first Morocco squad since the country’s successful World Cup campaign, with suspensions, injuries and international uncertainty set to shape his selection.
The Lions of the Atlas coach will announce his squad at 11:00 on Thursday, 17 September, for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Gabon in Rabat on 25 September and Lesotho in Bloemfontein four days later. Morocco may also play one or two friendlies in early October.
Achraf Hakimi is the most significant doubt. The captain is suspended for two matches following the incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, while he is also recovering from an adductor injury suffered with Paris Saint-Germain. He is therefore expected to miss the qualifiers, although he could still be selected for possible friendlies.
Ismael Saibari must also serve a suspension, but only against Gabon, meaning Ouahbi could call him up for the match against Lesotho.
Nayef Aguerd is short of match fitness, while Youssef Belammari, Chadi Riad, Ayoub El Kaabi and Marouane Saadane are injured. Sofyan Amrabat has also made himself unavailable, saying publicly that he will no longer play for Morocco under the current manager.
There had been doubts over Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, but the winger played for more than an hour in Real Betis’ 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Monday and remains a possible selection.
New options in defence
Hakimi’s likely absence would create an opportunity for Omar El Hilali. The 23-year-old Espanyol Barcelona right-back has started each of the club’s first five La Liga matches and made his Morocco debut in September 2025.
Mahmoud Bentayg could offer a less expected solution on the left. The Zamalek player has begun the Egyptian season with four assists and would arrive with confidence high.
In central defence, Ouahbi may have to rely on the players currently available to cover for the possible absences of Aguerd, Chadi Riad and Saadane.
Zabiri in contention
Yassir Zabiri has made a strong case for inclusion after scoring five goals in five La Liga appearances for Racing Santander, where he is on loan from Rennes. His goals have included a hat-trick and a brace.
The Under-20 World Cup winner is well known to Ouahbi, who coached him at youth level, and El Kaabi’s injury could give him an opening.
Abdellah Ouazane is another possibility, although selecting the 17-year-old would represent a move towards the future. The Ajax midfielder was named the best player at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 tournament won by Morocco and has recently confirmed his decision to represent the country.
Ouahbi watched him play for Ajax after Ouazane made that decision public. His inclusion would be a surprise, but would also send a strong message to the next generation and to the Netherlands, who had been a potential alternative.
Younes Ebnoutalib’s position is less clear. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has scored three goals in the Bundesliga and is eligible for both Morocco and Germany, who are also monitoring his progress. Until he makes a final decision and any administrative procedures are completed, he cannot be considered a likely selection.
Thursday’s squad is unlikely to represent a complete overhaul, but it should show whether Ouahbi intends to retain Morocco’s established core or accelerate the promotion of young players he has worked with previously.