Rabat – Morocco international Zakaria El Ouahdi has set his sights on participating in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the continental tournament as a major objective for the growth of his international career.
Speaking to German newspaper Hamburger Abendblatt, the 24-year-old player expressed his determination to earn a place in Morocco’s squad for the continental competition, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
“I really want to participate in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. I want to be part of it with the Moroccan national team,” El Ouahdi said.
The right-back also praised the development of Moroccan football, citing the role of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) in supporting the national team and the players.
“Everyone can now see what we are capable of achieving. We have become a big family, and many Moroccans are now playing for major European clubs,” he said.
The Atlas Lions have continued to build on their historic 2022 World Cup campaign, when they became the first African and Arab team to reach the semifinals, with their subsequent performances further strengthening Morocco’s reputation in international football.
El Ouahdi joined Hamburger SV from Belgian club Genk in August 2026, taking another step in his career by moving to Germany’s Bundesliga. At Genk, he established himself as an attack-minded right-back and contributed goals and assists alongside his defensive duties. At Hamburger SV, he further developed those skills and now he is competing for a place in Morocco’s squad.
The defender was part of Morocco’s 2026 World Cup squad and featured in the Atlas Lions’ quarter final defeat to France. He has also gained experience through Morocco’s Olympic team, which won bronze at the 2024 Paris Games.
Morocco have made a positive start to their qualifying campaign for AFCON 2027, beating Gabon and Lesotho 2-0 in their opening two matches.
