Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi is set to reveal the squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Niger on Wednesday, November 4. The announcement will be made during a press conference at 11 a.m. at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. This comes ahead of Morocco's November international camp, starting on Monday, November 9. The Atlas Lions will face Niger twice, on November 13 and 17, as part of the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The first encounter against Niger will take place at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, while the return fixture is scheduled for the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Morocco currently leads Group A with six points, having opened their qualifying campaign with victories over Gabon and Lesotho, both by a 2-0 scoreline. The team's performance in the qualifiers has been impressive so far, and Ouahbi will look to build on this momentum.
Ouahbi is expected to rely on established players while considering new faces and potential returns. The coach has included AS FAR duo Anas Bach and goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti in his preliminary list. He is also monitoring other Botola players, including goalkeeper Munir El Kajoui and midfielder Mehdi Benabid, as he looks to expand his options ahead of the two encounters.
Chamsdine Talbi is also in contention for a return to the national team after missing the previous camp. The Sunderland winger is among the options under consideration as Ouahbi seeks to bolster Morocco's attack. Youssef En-Nesyri is another potential returnee, with the Al-Ittihad striker attracting the coach's attention after scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 13 appearances this season.
Despite potential changes, Morocco is expected to retain much of its established core. Captain Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Brahim Diaz, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismaël Saibari, and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli remain among the key names around whom Ouahbi can build his squad. Nayef Aguerd and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou are also expected to remain important figures as Morocco prepares for its November fixtures.
The Atlas Lions have been in good form lately, with some players making a significant impact for their clubs. Achraf Hakimi recently scored his first career hat-trick in PSG's rout of Le Havre. The team's performance in the qualifiers and friendlies will be crucial in building momentum for the 2027 AFCON.
Morocco's coaching staff will be looking to finalize the squad and make any necessary adjustments before the international camp begins. The team's goal is to continue its winning streak and secure a spot in the 2027 AFCON. With a strong squad and good form, Morocco is confident about its chances of success in the qualifiers.
Key points
- Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi to announce the squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Niger on Wednesday.
- The Atlas Lions currently lead Group A with six points after victories over Gabon and Lesotho.
- Ouahbi to consider new faces and potential returns, including Chamsdine Talbi and Youssef En-Nesyri.
