Reda Belahyane, the Lazio midfielder who has received his first call-up under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, shared his first impressions since joining the national team camp.
“I found out about the squad list after everyone else because I was at training. My family was the one that told me I had been called up. I was happy. I had already been called up twice before, so I’m pleased to receive another call-up,” the player said.
Belahyane was first called up by former head coach Walid Regragui in October 2024, for a double-header against the Central African Republic in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Morocco keeps improving year after year, so it doesn’t surprise me. Even the players called up play for major clubs. I wasn’t impressed; I’m proud of my country and proud to be Moroccan,” the midfielder continued.
The 22-year-old has made 11 appearances for Lazio and is a regular in the starting lineup under Gennaro Gattuso. The Italian side also tops the Serie A standings after 11 matchdays.
Belahyane then spoke about his ambitions with the national team: “First of all, I hope to get playing time, and I believe I can make a contribution to the team. I think I can bring something extra in terms of aggression and physicality.”
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He also had a message for the supporters: “We thank them for giving us strength in every match and every competition. We will do our best to make them proud and keep things going.”
Morocco will face Niger first on Friday, November 13, at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca, before meeting them again on Tuesday, November 17, at the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat.
