Ahead of the double header against Niger, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi must navigate several major injuries while renewing his squad to prepare for the future of the Atlas Lions.
Preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers confront the national technical staff with major strategic choices. On the eve of officialising the squad selected to face Niger on 13 and 17 November 2026, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi faces the forced absence of key figures such as Azzedine Ounahi and Ismaël Saibari, both sidelined in the treatment room. In goal, the hierarchy relies on the continuity provided by Yassine Bounou and Munir El Kajoui, while gradually integrating the rise of promising young goalkeepers like Alaa Bellaarouch to anticipate the succession. This skilled balance between seasoned leaders and young diaspora prospects highlights the vitality of the Moroccan talent pool competing across major European and regional leagues.
A defensive line undergoing tactical adjustment
The backline constitutes the main project for the technical staff ahead of this decisive double header. While the central axis is expected to maintain its core structure with Nayef Aguerd, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, and Issa Diop, significant returns like that of Omar El Hilali provide valuable tactical versatility to consider different tactical setups. On the flanks, the unquestioned presence of Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui offers top-world-level guarantees, complemented by the continental consistency of Mohamed Chibi and the potential of rising young defenders. This depth allows the staff to adapt its defensive block to the physical and logistical demands of away fixtures across the African continent.
Midfield opportunities and attacking reorganization
The injury-induced absences of several driving forces in midfield and attack redistribute the roles, offering an opportunity to profiles experiencing a full club resurgence. Convincing performances by Reda Belhayane and Amine Harit in Serie A and Ligue 1 plead for their return to the national team, bringing cohesion and creativity to the game. Up front, the unavailability of Ayoub El Kaabi and Soufiane Rahimi favors the return to the fore of centre-forward Youssef En-Nesyri, whose recovered efficiency at club level and physical presence in the box offer complementary attacking solutions. Building on this momentum, the head coach refines his group to guarantee tactical balance and pursue the national team’s winning trajectory.
