Morocco's national team coach, Mohamed Wahbi, has made the decision to exclude defender Naif Akrad from the squad that will face Lesotho in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Akrad recently underwent surgery and, according to the team's protocol, needs to follow a specific rehabilitation program to regain his full fitness. As a result, he will not join the team in South Africa and will instead continue his training at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, Morocco.

The decision to keep Akrad out of the Lesotho match was made with caution, taking into account his ongoing recovery from surgery. The technical staff has opted to prioritize his rehabilitation, ensuring that he can regain his optimal physical condition. Akrad's absence will be felt, but the team is confident that he will be ready for the upcoming friendly match against Ghana as part of the national team's preparation program.

Akrad's rehabilitation program will be closely monitored by the team's coaching staff, with the aim of having him fully fit for the friendly match against Ghana. In the meantime, the rest of the squad will continue their preparations for the Lesotho match, which marks the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team is expected to be boosted by the return of key players, including captain Achraf Hakimi and midfielder Ismael Saibari.

The Lesotho match is an important one for Morocco, as they look to build on their momentum in the qualifiers. The team has been working hard to fine-tune their strategy and strengthen their squad, and they will be looking to secure a positive result against Lesotho. Despite Akrad's absence, the team is confident in their abilities and is determined to make a strong impression.

Morocco's national team has been preparing intensively for the Lesotho match, with a focus on improving their tactics and teamwork. The team has been training hard, and the coaching staff is optimistic about their chances of securing a win. The match against Lesotho will be an important test for the team, and they will be looking to make a strong statement.

The absence of Akrad will be a significant blow to Morocco's defense, but the team has a strong squad and is confident in their ability to adapt. The team has been working on their defensive strategy, and they are expected to make a strong showing against Lesotho. The match will be an important one for Morocco, as they look to build on their momentum in the qualifiers.

Morocco's national team is set to face Lesotho in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team will be looking to secure a positive result, despite the absence of defender Naif Akrad. The match will be an important test for the team, and they will be looking to make a strong impression.

Key points

  • Morocco's national team coach, Mohamed Wahbi, has decided to exclude defender Naif Akrad from the squad traveling to South Africa for the upcoming match against Lesotho due to his ongoing recovery from surgery.

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SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.