Mohamed Ouahbi is preparing to take another significant step in reshaping Morocco’s squad, with Sofyan Amrabat and Ayoub El Kaabi reportedly set to miss the Atlas Lions’ next team selection.
The pair are expected to be left out of the squad for September’s matches against Gabon and Lesotho, according to the Moroccan newspaper Assabah. The games will mark the beginning of Morocco’s qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Their expected omissions would underline Ouahbi’s intention to gradually renew the squad following the 2026 World Cup, while building a team capable of competing through to the 2030 World Cup.
The head coach is understood to be ready to give greater opportunities to several younger players who impressed under his management with Morocco U20 at the 2025 World Cup in Chile.
Gessime Yassine was the only player from that group to feature at the 2026 World Cup, but Yassir Zabiri and Othmane Maamma could now be given a similar opportunity at senior level.
Amrabat, 29, and El Kaabi, 33, could therefore join Youssef En-Nesyri and Jawad El Yamiq among the established Morocco internationals who were already absent from the World Cup squad.
Amrabat was an important figure under former manager Walid Regragui, particularly during Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup. However, he has gradually lost ground over the past two years to midfielders regarded as technically stronger.
He played three matches at the 2026 World Cup, starting against Haiti before coming off the bench against Canada and France. The midfielder is reported to have been deeply unhappy with how he was treated by the coach.
That frustration has been compounded by his club situation, with Amrabat currently unwanted at Fenerbahce, leaving his international future uncertain.
El Kaabi’s possible exclusion would have a different explanation. The Casablanca-born striker has produced a strong record for Morocco, scoring 23 goals in 60 appearances, and his performances previously made him a clear first choice under Regragui, with Youssef En-Nesyri pushed to the substitutes’ bench.
However, Ouahbi’s tactical preferences appear to favour a different type of forward. The coach is keen to use Ismael Saibari as a false nine, allowing him to drop deeper while still putting pressure on opposing defences.
That system appears to be working, leaving El Kaabi facing the consequences despite his overall record for the national team.
Ouahbi is not expected to discard the entire previous generation. Instead, the plan is reportedly to retain players who remain physically capable, competitive and effective, regardless of their age.
That approach means Nayef Aguerd remains firmly part of the manager’s plans. The central defender missed the World Cup because of fitness problems and has also experienced a turbulent period at club level in recent weeks.
Nevertheless, Aguerd continues to hold particular importance within the Morocco hierarchy because of his experience and his contribution to the balance of the defence.
Other established players are also expected to remain under consideration. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Hamza Igamane, Ilias Akhomach and Eliesse Ben Seghir, who were unavailable for the World Cup, could all feature in Ouahbi’s thinking if they return to their best physical and sporting condition.
Morocco’s next squad announcement could therefore represent another important stage in the transformation of the Atlas Lions, combining a gradual introduction of younger players with the retention of senior figures who are still considered valuable.
