Rabat – Morocco head coach Mohammed Ouahbi is reportedly preparing to make significant changes to the Atlas Lions squad ahead of the team’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
According to Moroccan sports newspaper Al Mountakhab, Ouahbi is considering dropping several players who have been regular members of the national team in recent years, particularly those who featured frequently under former coach Walid Regragui.
Among the names reportedly set to be left out are Ayoub El Kaabi, Munir El Kajoui, and Sofiane Rahimi.
The reported changes are part of Ouahbi’s plan to introduce new faces and give greater opportunities to younger players as Morocco begins preparations for the 2027 AFCON, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Bringing young talents
According to Al Mountakhab, Ouahbi has discussed his plans with Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), with both reportedly looking to inject new energy into the national team.
Several young players could therefore receive opportunities in the coming international window.
The report names Yasser Zabiri, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, and Othmane Maamma among the players who could be called up.
Defender Nayef Aguerd is also reportedly set to return to the squad, while Raja Casablanca goalkeeper Mehdi Harar is expected to retain his place.
The potential changes would mark the beginning of a new phase for the Atlas Lions under Ouahbi, who has been tasked with preparing the team for its next competitive challenges while maintaining Morocco’s strong position in African football.
First competitive test against Gabon
Morocco will begin its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Gabon on September 25 in Libreville.
The match will represent Ouahbi’s first official test in the qualifiers and could provide the first clear indication of how he intends to reshape the national team.
With several experienced players reportedly facing exclusion and younger talents being considered, Ouahbi appears ready to start building a new-look Morocco squad ahead of the next major continental tournament.
