Morocco Daily News
News • November 04, 2026 • 2 min read

Morocco's National Team Faces Challenges with Key Players Absent for AFCON Qualifiers

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Morocco's National Team Faces Challenges with Key Players Absent for AFCON Qualifiers

Morocco's National Team Faces Key Absences Ahead of AFCON Qualifiers

As the Moroccan national football team gears up for its upcoming matches against Niger in the qualifying rounds of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, the squad has been notably affected by the absence of several key players. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi has unveiled a list that excludes the talented Ismaël Saibari and Azzedine Ounahi, both sidelined due to injuries. Saibari, who plays for Bayern Munich, is expected to be out for three to four months, while Ounahi is also dealing with a long-term injury. Their absence undoubtedly poses a challenge for the Lions of the Atlas, as both players have been pivotal in their previous performances. However, Morocco still possesses promising talent in the form of Bilal El Khannouss and Ayyoub Bouaddi, who are expected to step up in this crucial phase of the qualifiers.

Additionally, while there was some anticipation surrounding the potential return of Amine Harit from Olympique de Marseille, his inclusion in the squad remains uncertain. Despite not being a headline-grabbing figure, Harit has been having a commendable start to the season and could have contributed significantly. The national team also included emerging players such as Gessime Yassine, Yassir Zabiri, and Abdellah Ouzane, who symbolize the new wave of Moroccan creativity, showcasing their talent with strong performances at their respective clubs. This mix of established and emerging talent aims to ensure that Morocco remains a formidable contender in the upcoming qualifiers despite the setbacks.

As reported by sofoot.com.

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Journalist and contributing editor at Morocco Daily News covering breaking news, Moroccan society, and international developments.