Casablanca – Nayef Aguerd has remained in Morocco while the national team travels in South Africa ahead of its Africa Cup of Nations 2027 (AFCON) qualifying fixture against Lesotho, according to Moroccan sports outlet Almountakhab.
Aguerd did not travel with the Atlas Lions on Saturday, with head coach Mohamed Ouahbi and his technical staff opting to continue managing the defender’s return to full fitness following recent surgery.
According to Almountakhab, the decision was based on the competitive protocol being followed in Aguerd’s case, with the coaching staff taking a gradual approach to his physical recovery rather than rushing him back into competitive action.
The 29-year-old will remain at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, where he will continue his individual training program under the supervision of the national team staff.
The plan is reportedly aimed at preparing Aguerd for Morocco’s upcoming friendly against Ghana, which forms part of the team’s next preparation schedule.
His absence means Aguerd will miss Morocco’s second AFCON 2027 qualifying fixture, while the rest of the squad continues preparations in South Africa for the meeting with Lesotho.
The Atlas Lions opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Gabon in Rabat, with Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi finding the net.
Morocco will face Lesotho at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, with Ouahbi’s side looking to build on its opening result.
The fixture will also see the return of captain Achraf Hakimi and Bayern Munich midfielder Ismael Saibari, who were unavailable for the opening match due to suspension.
With Aguerd remaining in Morocco, the technical staff will continue to monitor his progress as the defender works toward a return to competitive action and the national team’s upcoming commitments.
