Neither the rain nor the adverse weather conditions have disrupted Morocco’s preparations. The national team continued training at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, two days before Friday’s November 13 clash with Niger in Casablanca.
In a video published by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Achraf Hakimi, Gessime Yassine, Ayyoub Bouaddi, newcomer Ayoub Oufkir and the rest of the squad can be seen training under heavy rain and working on their combinations during a practice match. Earlier in the morning, the players had completed physical and technical-tactical exercises.
Neil El Aynaoui has been ruled out of both matches against Niger, scheduled for Friday, November 13, and Tuesday, November 17, due to ankle discomfort that he was already experiencing when he joined the national team camp. He is expected to continue his rehabilitation at the complex under the supervision of the medical staff, who conducted an in-depth assessment and determined that he should not play.
El Aynaoui will be replaced by Samir El Mourabet of RC Strasbourg, who has been called up as reinforcement.
Morocco currently lead their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group with six points, ahead of Gabon, Niger and bottom-placed Lesotho in Group A. The team won its first two matches by identical 2-0 scores, first against Gabon and then against Lesotho.
Read also : Morocco step up preparations for Niger clash as Neil El Aynaoui is replaced by Samir El Mourabet
A win in Casablanca on Friday would give Morocco greater confidence heading into the second meeting, scheduled at the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat. The objective is to remain at the top of the group at the end of the international break and move closer to qualifying for the next Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in East Africa.
