At the Mohamed VI Football Complex on Friday morning, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui unveiled a 27-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Mozambique (Nov 14) and Uganda (Nov 18).
The biggest headline: Romain Saïss is back. The 35-year-old Al Sadd defender returns after nearly 18 months out, last featuring in Morocco’s 2–1 win over Zambia in June 2024.
Despite limited game time this season, just 1,535 minutes since his comeback from a serious ankle injury, Regragui believes his leadership is vital.
“You don’t win the Africa Cup of Nations with young defenders. We need experience at the back,” the coach said, defending his decision.
PSG star Achraf Hakimi misses out through injury, while captain Yassine Bounou, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Youssef En-Nesyriheadline a strong core.
Rising talents like Bilal El Khannous, Ismael Saibari, and Eliesse Ben Seghir also make the cut.
The Atlas Lions’ double-header will also mark the grand reopening of Tangier’s refurbished Ibn Batouta Stadium.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mounir El Kajoui, Yassine Bounou, Mehdi Lahrar
Defenders: Mazraoui, Saïss, Salah-Eddine, Aguerd, Masina, El Yamiq, Chibi, Belammari
Midfielders: El Khannous, Saibari, Targhaline, Amrabat, El Ainaoui, Ben Seghir, Ounahi
Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Talbi, En-Nesyri, Igamane, El Kaabi, Diop, Rahimi, Akhomach, Ezzalzouli
