Rabat – Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has called for patience with the national team’s new players, saying their integration into the squad is a gradual process that requires opportunities, development and room for mistakes.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Lesotho, Ouahbi said some newcomers have already received playing time while others are still waiting for their opportunity.
According to El Botola, the coach described the process as ongoing and said each player would be given a chance at the appropriate moment.
“We want these players to develop,” Ouahbi said. “We also want to see them on the pitch and allow them to prove themselves.”
Ouahbi calls for patience with young players
Ouahbi also stressed that younger members of the squad should be allowed to make mistakes while adapting to senior international football.
“We also have to allow them to make some mistakes and make some wrong decisions when that happens, because we have to respect the fact that they are young players,” he said.
The approach reflects Ouahbi’s first senior Morocco squad, which included uncapped youngsters Abdellah Ouazane, Soufian El Faouzi and Yassir Zabiri for the opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers. CAF described the selection as part of a move toward introducing more emerging players into the senior setup.
Ouahbi nevertheless made clear that continued selection will depend on performance.
He said players who show they deserve to remain with the national team will continue to receive opportunities, while others will need to work harder to earn their place.
Morocco face Lesotho on Tuesday, September 29, at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. GMT.
The Atlas Lions enter the match after opening their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Gabon in Rabat on Friday. The result put Morocco top of Group A with three points and a +2 goal difference.
Morocco trained in Bloemfontein on Sunday, with the session focused on technical and tactical work. The FRMF said every player who traveled with the squad took part, while Nayef Aguerd remained in Morocco to continue his return-to-competition program.
