Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has called up Ilias Akhomach to join the national team camp ahead of the Atlas Lions' opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Gabon. Akhomach was added to the squad on Tuesday, four days after Ouahbi initially announced his 29-man selection for the September international window. The Villarreal winger has made a strong start to the season, featuring in two La Liga matches and providing an assist in both games.
Akhomach's call-up comes after a impressive performance for Villarreal, where he set up Alberto Moleiro for the team's second goal in Sunday's 3-1 victory over Levante. He also provided an assist in the 3-1 win against Málaga three days earlier. The 22-year-old has made six La Liga appearances this season, including two starts, and has registered two assists. His addition strengthens Morocco's attacking options as the team prepares for its first competitive fixtures under Ouahbi since the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions will host Gabon on Friday, September 25, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. They will then travel to Bloemfontein to face Lesotho on September 29, both matches forming part of the opening rounds of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Morocco will conclude the international window with a friendly against Ghana on October 4 at the Grand Stade de Tanger. Akhomach's latest call-up adds another attacking option to a Morocco squad that already includes several young players.
Ouahbi begins shaping his team for the next stage of the national team's campaign, with Akhomach being one of several young players in the squad. The Villarreal winger's experience in La Liga will be valuable for Morocco as they look to qualify for the 2027 AFCON. Akhomach's call-up is a late addition to the squad, but it demonstrates Ouahbi's willingness to consider players in form.
Morocco's national team has undergone significant changes since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ouahbi tasked with rebuilding the squad. The team's performance in the upcoming qualifiers will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON. Akhomach's addition to the squad provides Ouahbi with more options in attack.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers will be a significant test for Morocco, who will face stiff competition from other teams in the region. The team's matches against Gabon and Lesotho will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the tournament. Akhomach's experience in La Liga will be valuable for Morocco as they look to navigate the qualifiers.
Morocco's national team will look to build on their recent performances as they enter the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The team's coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, will be eager to see how his team performs against Gabon and Lesotho. With Akhomach added to the squad, Morocco will have more attacking options at their disposal.
Key points
- Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi calls up Villarreal winger Ilias Akhomach to join the national team ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifier against Gabon.
- Akhomach has made a strong start to the season with Villarreal, featuring in two La Liga matches and providing an assist in both games.
- Morocco will host Gabon on September 25 and travel to face Lesotho on September 29 in the opening rounds of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
