Exciting Updates in the Moroccan Squad
The Moroccan national football team is gearing up for two vital matches against Niger scheduled for November 13 and 17, 2023, as part of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers. Coach Mohamed Wahbi has unveiled a refreshed squad list, marking the return of notable players such as striker Youssef En-Nesyri and midfielder Reda Belhaj. Additionally, 20-year-old Ayoub Oufkir, who plays for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, has been included, showcasing the depth and talent within the Moroccan ranks.
Coach Wahbi’s Rationale Behind Selections
During a press conference held to announce the squad, Coach Wahbi defended his choices, emphasizing that player selection is not solely based on minutes played for their clubs but rather on their ability to contribute positively to the national team. This approach addresses the absence of several standout players, including Amine Harit from Olympique Marseille, who have recently been in good form. Wahbi highlighted that En-Nesyri's performance with Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia has been closely monitored, and his skill set makes him an invaluable asset that cannot be overlooked when finalizing the team roster.
Moreover, Wahbi justified the inclusion of Reda Belhaj, praising his impressive displays with Lazio in Italy, which he believes warrant another opportunity to represent the national team. Conversely, he acknowledged that some players, such as Amine Amimouni, are currently not receiving sufficient playtime with their clubs due to tactical decisions made by their coaches. He also mentioned that Ibrahim Diaz is striving for more minutes at Real Madrid amidst fierce competition within one of the world’s top clubs.
Wahbi reiterated that player selection goes beyond mere playing time; it also considers how well players adapt to the team’s tactical framework. He cited Noussair Mazraoui as an example, explaining that although he may not feature prominently for his club, he still possesses the ability to enhance the national team's performance.
The primary focus at this stage is ensuring qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations finals. With the next gathering scheduled for March, the coaching staff is keen to utilize this time to allow players to acclimatize to the team's playing style while providing additional opportunities for others to broaden the selection base.
As it stands, Morocco leads Group A with six points, ahead of both Gabon and Niger, who occupy the second and third positions with three points each, while Lesotho sits at the bottom without any points.
The Moroccan team will convene on Monday in preparation for the upcoming match against Niger at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, with a second encounter occurring on November 17 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The complete squad for the Moroccan national team includes:
- Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir Mohamedi, Reda Tknaouti, and Ala Belarous.
- Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Salah Eddine Anss, Sofiane Krouani, Naif Aguerd, Redouane Hlal, Issa Diop, Abdelhamid Ait Bouhdal, Achraf Hakimi, and Ali Maamar.
- Midfielders: Ayoub Bouaddi, Nail Al-Ainaoui, Osama Targaline, Bilal Khenous, Reda Belhaj, Abdullah Wazan, and Amin Sebai.
- Forwards: Ibrahim Diaz, Yassine Jassim, Abdel-Samad El-Zalzouli, Ayoub Oufkir, Yasser Zabiri, and Youssef En-Nesyri.
As reported by aljazeera.net.
