Morocco are set to make several changes for Tuesday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Lesotho, with Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari and Brahim Diaz all expected to return to the starting lineup.
After beginning the campaign with a 2–0 victory over Gabon, the Atlas Lions could field a lineup much closer to the one used during their most recent World Cup campaign.
The expected XI combines experience with the emerging generation that featured prominently in the opening qualifier.
Bounou Remains Between the Posts
Yassine Bounou is expected to continue in goal.
The experienced goalkeeper played an important role in the victory over Gabon, producing several crucial saves to preserve Morocco’s clean sheet.
His leadership and experience remain central to the defensive structure as the Atlas Lions prepare for their first away qualifier of the campaign.
Hakimi Returns to the Defense
The biggest change is expected to come in defense, with Achraf Hakimi set to return after missing the Gabon match through suspension.
He could be joined by Noussair Mazraoui, Issa Diop and Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal.
Mazraoui impressed against Gabon, scoring Morocco’s opening goal and delivering a complete performance. His presence alongside Hakimi would give the team greater experience and attacking possibilities from the wide areas.
A Young Midfield With More Creativity
The expected midfield features Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui and Bilal El Khannouss.
Bouaddi started the opening qualifier and helped provide energy in the centre of the pitch, while El Aynaoui also featured from the beginning.
The return of El Khannouss would add another creative dimension to the midfield, giving Morocco an additional player capable of carrying the ball forward and connecting the midfield with the attack.
Brahim Diaz Returns to the Attack
The attacking line could see another major change with Brahim Diaz expected to return after missing the Gabon match because of muscular discomfort.
The Real Madrid attacker has since resumed collective training in Bloemfontein and is available for selection.
He could operate alongside Ismael Saibari and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, creating a technically strong attacking trio with plenty of movement and individual quality.
Morocco’s Expected XI
Yassine Bounou
Achraf Hakimi – Noussair Mazraoui – Issa Diop – Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal
Ayyoub Bouaddi – Neil El Aynaoui – Bilal El Khannouss
Brahim Diaz – Ismael Saibari – Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
A Stronger Squad Available to Ouahbi
The return of Hakimi, Saibari and Brahim Diaz gives Mohamed Ouahbi significantly more options compared with the opening match against Gabon.
Morocco already collected three points in their first qualifier, and the objective in Bloemfontein will be to build on that winning start.
The expected lineup would bring together several of the players who have become central to the Atlas Lions while continuing to give opportunities to the younger generation.
The final XI will be confirmed shortly before kickoff, but Morocco could be much closer to their familiar World Cup-era structure when they face Lesotho at Toyota Stadium.