Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has stated that selection for the national team will continue to be based on merit. Ahead of the team's second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Lesotho, Ouahbi reiterated that players who deserve to represent the Atlas Lions will receive their opportunity. This approach was outlined when he announced his squad earlier this month, emphasizing current level and readiness over reputation or league.
Ouahbi made these comments during a pre-match press conference in Rabat. He stressed that there is no policy favoring players abroad, and his staff seeks the best available options. The coach's remarks reinforce his previous statements, ensuring that players will be chosen based on their performance rather than their league or reputation. This approach aims to maintain a high level of competitiveness within the team.
Morocco will face Lesotho at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on September 29. The match is part of Matchday 2 in Group A of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The Atlas Lions began their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Gabon at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday. This result placed Morocco top of Group A with three points and a goal difference of +2.
The Moroccan team has already started preparations in Bloemfontein. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) reported that the team trained at Ramabodu Stadium on Sunday, focusing on technical and tactical work. All players who traveled to South Africa participated in the session, except for defender Nayef Aguerd, who is continuing his return-to-competition program at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamoura.
A victory against Lesotho would give Morocco six points from their opening two matches. The qualifying campaign will resume during the November international window. Morocco's performance in the qualifiers will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the 2027 AFCON.
Ouahbi's squad selection and strategy have been closely followed by Moroccan football fans. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be an indicator of their preparedness for future international competitions. The coach's emphasis on merit-based selection aims to ensure that the best players are chosen to represent Morocco.
The match against Lesotho is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. GMT. CAF has confirmed the fixture as part of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Morocco's technical staff will be looking to build on their initial victory and secure another win to maintain their position in Group A.
Key points
- Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi emphasizes merit-based selection for the national team.
- The team will face Lesotho in their second 2027 AFCON qualifier on September 29.
- A victory would give Morocco six points from their opening two matches.
