National team coach Mohamed Ouahbi said Thursday in Salé that tactical balance, players’ current form and their ability to adapt to the team’s playing system were the main criteria behind his selection of the Atlas Lions squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
"No place is guaranteed for anyone. We are looking for the best balance," Ouahbi said at a press conference to present his squad, stressing that the selected players fit the profile sought by the technical staff and can operate within the system it intends to implement.
The coach also highlighted players’ playing time at club level, as well as versatility and complementarity, as important factors in his choices.
Regarding the absence of Sofyan Amrabat, Ouahbi said there was no conflict between the midfielder and the technical staff, while acknowledging the player’s disappointment over his lack of playing time with the national team.
The coach also addressed several players who were not included, stressing that "the door is never closed" and that future performances could earn them a return to the national team.
Among the players called up, Ismail Saibari stands out for his versatility, with Ouahbi noting that the Bayern Munich player can operate both as a No. 10 and as a center-forward. Saibari, however, will miss the opening match through suspension.
"He is a player capable of providing balance," Ouahbi said.
The squad also includes young players such as Abdellah Ouazane and Yassir Zabiri, while the coach maintained that competition for places remains open.
The Atlas Lions will open their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Gabon on Friday, September 25, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Morocco will then face Lesotho on Tuesday, September 29, at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, from 1:00 p.m.
The national team is also scheduled to face Ghana in a friendly during the same international window.
MAP: 17 September 2026
