The Atlas Lions will face Lesotho this Tuesday, September 29, in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Matchday 2 of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
After opening their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Gabon in Rabat last Friday, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side will be looking to make it two wins in a row.
Ouahbi is expected to rely on a familiar lineup, with captain Achraf Hakimi, Ismaël Saibari and Brahim Diaz all back in contention after serving suspensions or recovering from injury.
Yassine Bounou is expected to remain in goal after playing a key role in the win over Gabon. The Al Hilal goalkeeper made several decisive saves in Rabat and is set to retain his place.
In defense, Hakimi should return at right-back after serving a suspension following the events of the 2025 AFCON final. Noussair Mazraoui, who scored in the opening match, is expected to keep his place on the left. Issa Diop and Redouane Halhal are likely to form the central defensive partnership, with Halhal replacing Nayef Aguerd, who started against Gabon but remained in Rabat to continue his return-to-play program.
In midfield, Ouahbi is expected to stick with Neil El Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi and Ayyoub Bouaddi. The trio have already played together several times and are expected to control the tempo and provide the link between defense and attack.
Up front, Saibari is expected to start in the central role after returning from suspension. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli should keep his place on the left, while Brahim Diaz is expected to start on the right after returning to full team training following muscular discomfort.
Morocco’s likely lineup against Lesotho:
Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Redouane Halhal, Noussair Mazraoui
Midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi, Ayyoub Bouaddi
Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Ismaël Saibari, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
