Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has recalled Youssef En-Nesyri in a 26-player squad for the two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Niger on 13 and 17 November.
The squad was announced on Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex ahead of the third and fourth rounds of qualifying.
Former Morocco international Mohamed Salem Mahmoudi told Africafoot that the selection reflected a balance between continuity and renewal, with opportunities for several new players. Mahmoudi, who played for Mouloudia de Marrakech and Wydad de Casablanca between 1977 and 1990, also had spells with Lazio Rome and Qadsia Sporting Club before continuing his career in the Omani league.
Now a football analyst, Mahmoudi said Ouahbi had assembled a group offering complementary qualities and several tactical options. However, he stressed that the success of the selection would depend on the coach’s ability to combine individual talent into a balanced and coherent team.
En-Nesyri adds a different attacking option
Mahmoudi identified En-Nesyri’s return as one of the most significant features of the squad. He believes Morocco needed a centre-forward with a different profile, particularly in the air, in his positioning inside the penalty area and in his ability to run behind defensive lines.
The recall gives Ouahbi more ways to build attacks. According to Mahmoudi, Morocco can now make greater use of crosses and direct passes forward rather than relying mainly on short combinations and attempts to break through on the wings.
Ayoub Oufkir has received his first call-up to the senior national team. Mahmoudi described the decision as a positive step, saying Morocco needed to widen its selection pool and give young players an opportunity.
He believes Oufkir’s pace and ability in one-on-one situations could benefit the squad, while warning that his integration should be gradual as he adapts to the demands of international football.
Midfield balance remains a key issue
Mahmoudi also pointed to the range of midfield options available to Ouahbi, including Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Oussama Targhalline, Bilal El Khannous and Reda Belahyane.
The former player said the unit had considerable technical and physical potential, but added that the coach would need to establish the right balance between winning possession and building attacks. Individual quality, he argued, would not be enough without clearly defined responsibilities and established understanding between players.
In defence, the experience of Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd provides Morocco with strength and leadership, while other options give the coach further room for manoeuvre.
Mahmoudi nevertheless warned that spaces could appear behind the full-backs when they advance, an important consideration for a team that relies heavily on their forward runs to create attacking overloads.
In attack, Brahim Diaz, Abde Ezzalzouli, Yassir Zabiri, Gessime Yassine, En-Nesyri and Oufkir offer a mixture of penalty-area presence, movement, pace and individual dribbling.
Mahmoudi said those varied qualities could prove especially useful against opponents defending in a compact block. He regarded the Niger matches as an important opportunity for Ouahbi to assess his choices and the squad’s readiness, with the main challenge being to create a unified team with a clear playing identity.
