Younes Ebnoutalib has strengthened his case for a Morocco call-up after scoring a hat-trick in an impressive display that could have major implications for the Lions of the Atlas’ search for a long-term centre-forward.
The 22-year-old, who stands 1.91m tall, scored twice in the space of two minutes at the start of the match. His goals, in the 10th and 11th minutes, first brought his side level before putting them ahead.
Ebnoutalib completed his treble in the 67th minute with a technically accomplished volley. He finished a well-executed counter-attack with a precise shot into the far corner, underlining both his finishing ability and his growing confidence in front of goal.
The performance means he has now contributed five goals or assists across his past two matches in all competitions. He had already played a decisive role in the previous weekend’s cup fixture, scoring once and supplying one assist.
That run of form is likely to place Ebnoutalib firmly back in discussions over a Morocco selection. He remains eligible to represent Germany as well as Morocco, while he had previously expressed his frustration after being left out of Morocco’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
His emergence presents Mohamed Ouahbi with a difficult decision as he prepares his squad for the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Gabon and Lesotho.
Competition for Morocco’s number nine shirt
Ebnoutalib is not the only forward making a case for inclusion. Yassir Zabiri also attracted attention recently by scoring a hat-trick for Racing Santander, while Abdellah Ouazane provided two assists for Ajax a few days earlier.
The form of the three players has added to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Morocco’s central striker position. For several years, Youssef En-Nesyri has carried much of the responsibility in attack. Ouahbi must now identify the player capable of succeeding him.
That remains the outstanding issue for a Morocco side with impressive depth in almost every position, but fewer convincing options at number nine.
The lack of a settled alternative was particularly evident at the 2026 World Cup, when Ouahbi chose to use Ismail Saibari as a centre-forward despite the player normally operating as a number 10. The decision worked, with the new Bayern player scoring three goals during the tournament, but it also highlighted the shortage of established strikers available to the manager.
Ebnoutalib’s latest performance will therefore be examined closely, first to determine whether it is enough to earn him a place in the next Morocco squad and, if selected, whether he can translate his club form to the international stage.
For the Lions of the Atlas, the question is no longer simply whether Ebnoutalib can produce eye-catching performances. It is whether he can develop into the attacking focal point Morocco has been seeking since Youssef En-Nesyri became the team’s leading reference in the final third.
His recent goals and assists have ensured that he is now part of that conversation, just as Mohamed Ouahbi begins the process of building his squad for the next phase of Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
