Morocco’s National Team Unveils 26-Player Squad for Upcoming Friendlies
Morocco’s national football team has announced a 26-player squad for their upcoming friendly matches against Mozambique and Uganda. The selection includes several key players returning to the national team, while also marking the debut call-up of one promising talent.
The Atlas Lions will face Mozambique on November 14 and Uganda on November 18 at the Grand Stadium of Tangier, starting at 8:00 PM. These matches are part of the team’s preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, which is set to take place from December 21 to January 18.
Key Players in the Squad
Among the notable returnees is captain Romain Saïss, who continues to be a vital presence in the defense. Forward Soufiane Rahimi and Sofiane Diop have also been included, adding depth to the attacking options. Additionally, Anass Salah-Eddine, who plays for PSV Eindhoven, has received his first call-up to the national team, signaling a new chapter in his international career.
However, the squad faces a setback with the absence of Achraf Hakimi due to an injury. His exclusion highlights the challenges the team may encounter as they prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Group A of AFCON Morocco 2025
Morocco is drawn in Group A of the AFCON tournament, where they will compete against Comoros, Mali, and Zambia. This group promises to be highly competitive, and the friendly matches serve as crucial opportunities for the team to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion.
Full List of Selected Players
Goalkeepers:* Mounir El Kajoui (Renaissance Berkane)* Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal/Saudi Arabia)* Mehdi Lahrar (Raja Casablanca)
Defenders:* Romain Saïss (Al-Sadd/Qatar)* Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United/England)* Nayef Aguerd (Marseille/France)* Adam Masina (Torino/Italy)* Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Najma/Saudi Arabia)* Mohamed Chibi (Pyramids/Egypt)* Youssef Belammari (Raja Casablanca)* Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands)
Midfielders:* Azeddine Ounahi (Girona/Spain)* Bilal El Khannous (Stuttgart/Germany)* Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands)* Oussama Targhaline (Feyenoord/Netherlands)* Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis/Spain)* Neil El Aynaoui (AS Roma/Italy)* Eliesse Ben Seghir (Leverkusen/Germany)
Forwards:* Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/Spain)* Chemsddine Talbi (Sunderland/England)* Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahçe/Turkey)* Hamza Igamane (Lille/France)* Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiakos/Greece)* Ilias Akhomach (Villarreal/Spain)* Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis/Spain)* Sofiane Diop (Nice/France)
These selections reflect a balanced approach, combining experienced players with emerging talents. As the Atlas Lions prepare for the AFCON Morocco 2025, these friendly matches will play a critical role in shaping the team’s performance and strategy for the tournament.