Mohamed Ouahbi has made several changes to Morocco’s starting lineup for Tuesday’s second Pamoja-2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Ismael Saibari returns after serving a suspension following the incidents in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, while Brahim Diaz comes back into the starting XI after missing Friday’s 2-0 win over Gabon in Rabat because of muscular pain. In central defense, young Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal partners Issa Diop in place of the absent Nayef Aguerd.
Achraf Hakimi, who was also suspended for the opening match, starts on the bench, with Zakaria El Ouahdi taking his place on the right. Ayyoub Bouaddi is also rested, allowing Oussama Targhalline to start in midfield.
Ouahbi has also completely reshuffled his attacking line, with Saibari, Brahim Diaz and Bilal El Khannouss coming in for Gessime Yassine, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Yassir Zabiri.
Morocco’s starting XI
Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (captain)
Defense: Zakaria El Ouahdi, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Issa Diop, Noussair Mazraoui
Midfield: Oussama Targhalline, Neil El Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi
Attack: Ismael Saibari, Brahim Diaz, Bilal El Khannouss
