Moroccan Coach Mohamed Ouahbi Clarifies Ayoub Ouafiqir's National Team Call-Up

Moroccan national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi has clarified the reasons behind calling up young Dutch-born player Ayoub Ouafiqir to the Atlas Lions squad. Ouahbi emphasized that Ouafiqir's inclusion was not intended to prevent him from playing for the Netherlands, but rather a technical decision based on his skills and performance. The coach made these statements during a press conference after Morocco's 5-1 win over Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ouahbi revealed that Ouafiqir has been under the technical monitoring of the Moroccan Football Federation for a long time, specifically since his time in the under-20 team. The coach expressed satisfaction with Ouafiqir's performance, stating that he has earned his place in the national team through merit. Ouafiqir's call-up was met with surprise in the Netherlands, where he had been playing for AZ Alkmaar.

The Moroccan coach highlighted Ouafiqir's exceptional qualities, including his ability to create attacking depth, his high energy levels, and technical skills. Ouahbi stressed that the young player's inclusion in the team was not a tactical move to force him to choose Morocco over the Netherlands, but rather a recognition of his current level and performance.

Ouafiqir made an immediate impact in his first game for Morocco, scoring his first international goal after coming on as a substitute in the final minutes of the match. His goal was assisted by teammate and fellow young player, Abdallah Bouzan, who plays for Ajax. The win over Niger marked a significant step for Morocco in their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Moroccan national team's victory over Niger also saw the team move up the FIFA rankings, with the Atlas Lions now sitting fifth globally. This rise is attributed to their recent performances, including the win over Niger and previous victories. Morocco's coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, expressed satisfaction with his team's progress and performance.

The Atlas Lions are set to return to Rabat to prepare for their next match against Niger in the qualifying campaign. The team will look to build on their recent momentum and continue their push for a spot in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco's football fans are optimistic about the team's chances, given their recent performances and the emergence of young talents like Ayoub Ouafiqir.

The call-up of Ayoub Ouafiqir has sparked debate in the Netherlands, with some fans expressing disappointment that the young player may not be available for the Dutch national team. However, Ouahbi's clarification that the player's inclusion was based on merit and not a tactical move to prevent him from playing for the Netherlands has helped to alleviate concerns. The focus now shifts to Morocco's upcoming matches and the team's prospects in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Key points

• Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi clarifies Ayoub Ouafiqir's national team call-up was based on technical merit, not to prevent him from playing for Netherlands.