Mohamed Ouahbi names ten new faces in his Morocco squad, including 17-year-old Ajax talent Abdellah Ouazane.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has named a significantly changed squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ajax teenager Abdellah Ouazane earns his maiden call-up among ten new names.
A Teenage Debutant
Ouazane, just 17, made his Eredivisie debut in Ajax’s opening match against PEC Zwolle. He has since impressed under new Ajax manager Michel Sanchez. The youngster has scored once across twelve appearances this season. He also provided three assists, all during Conference League qualifying matches.
His inclusion reflects Ouahbi’s willingness to look toward younger talent. Other newcomers include Alaa Bellaarouch, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal and Ali Maamar. Soufian El-Faouzi, Yassir Zabiri and Tawik Bentayeb complete the fresh additions.
The Amrabat Situation
Sofyan Amrabat has been omitted after declaring himself unavailable under Ouahbi. The Ajax midfielder announced he would not play while the current coach remains.
“I am therefore making myself unavailable for selection while he remains in charge,” Amrabat said. Ouahbi addressed the situation directly when announcing his squad. “There is no conflict between Amrabat and me or with the staff,” he said.
He explained that no player enjoys guaranteed selection regardless of reputation: “Your past earns you respect, but not privilege,” Ouahbi added.
He acknowledged Amrabat’s frustration over limited playing time: “I understand his disappointment,” Ouahbi said.
Other Notable Absences And Returns
Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad misses out through injury. Ayoub El Kaabi and Sunderland’s Chemsdine Taibi have also been left out. Feyenoord’s Oussama Targhalline returns to the squad after a spell away.
Captain Nayef Aguerd also returns to the group. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli features again following his own period out of contention. The squad shows ten changes compared with Morocco’s World Cup group earlier this year.
The Qualifying Campaign Ahead
Morocco sit in Group A alongside Gabon, Niger and Lesotho. They face Gabon first on 25 September at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Their second qualifier follows against Lesotho on 29 September. That match takes place at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Morocco will also play Ghana in a friendly in Tangier during the window. That fixture is scheduled for October 4th. Morocco reached the quarterfinals of this year’s World Cup before losing to France.
Amrabat, meanwhile, stressed he has not retired from international soccer entirely: “I am not closing the door on representing Morocco again,” he said.
He described playing for Morocco as the greatest honour of his career.
