Mohamed Ouahbi named a 26-man Morocco squad in Sale on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, for the back-to-back meetings with Niger in rounds three and four of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The headline name is Al-Ittihad striker Youssef En-Nesyri, back with the Atlas Lions after the coach praised his international experience and his knack for deciding matches.
The surprise came from the Dutch league. AZ Alkmaar winger Ayoub Oufkir earns his first call-up to the senior side, while midfielder Reda Belahyane of Lazio and Angers' Amine Sbai also return, in a group that blends established internationals with younger players.
Injuries ruled out several regulars, most notably Ismael Saibari, Ayoub El Kaabi and Soufiane Rahimi. Noussair Mazraoui and Brahim Diaz both keep their places. Ouahbi said his staff were not worried about Diaz's level as he fights for a starting role at Real Madrid, adding that minutes played are not the only thing that decides selection.
Four goalkeepers, led by Al-Hilal's Yassine Bounou, nine defenders including captain Achraf Hakimi, seven midfielders and six forwards make up the group, which reports for the training camp on 9 November. Nayef Aguerd and Issa Diop are among the defenders, Bilal El Khannouss and Neil El Aynaoui anchor the midfield, and En-Nesyri and Oufkir are joined up front by Brahim Diaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Yassine Gessime and Yassir Zabiri.
Casablanca hosts the first game on Friday, 13 November, at the Mohammed V Complex, with the second on Tuesday, 17 November, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Morocco top Group A with a maximum six points after two 2-0 wins, over Gabon and Lesotho.
Source: Liberation, Hespress, Goal, Al-Quds, YSScores
