The Atlas Lions are back in competitive action after the 2026 World Cup, opening their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at home against Gabon on Friday, September 25, at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to make a few changes to his starting lineup for the opening game, with Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari both suspended.
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Yassine Bounou is expected to start in goal as usual. At right-back, Noussair Mazraoui will fill in for captain Achraf Hakimi, while Anas Salah-Eddine is expected to start on the left. Nayef Aguerd, back in the national team after missing the 2026 World Cup, is expected to partner Issa Diop at center-back.
In midfield, Ouahbi is likely to stick with the familiar trio of Neil El Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi and Ayyoub Bouaddi. The three have already played together several times and are expected to lead Morocco’s midfield against the Panthers.
Up front, Soufiane Rahimi is expected to start through the middle, with Abdessamad Ezzalzouli on the left. Ilias Akhomach, called up to join the squad as a late addition, could go straight into the starting XI on the right.
Morocco’s projected lineup against Gabon:
Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Issa Diop, Nayef Aguerd, Anas Salah-Eddine
Midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi, Ayyoub Bouaddi
Forwards: Ilias Akhomach, Soufiane Rahimi, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
