Mohamed Ouahbi faces a significant tactical challenge ahead of Morocco’s upcoming clash against Niger. The absences of Azzedine Ounahi and Neil El Aynaoui, followed by the unavailability of Ismaël Saibari, have disrupted the coach's midfield plans and created opportunities for other players to step forward.
The issue goes beyond replacing three names on the team sheet. Each midfielder offers different qualities, and finding the right combination will be essential to maintaining Morocco's ability to control possession, dictate the tempo and connect defence with attack.
With the Atlas Lions preparing for their next AFCON 2027 qualifying fixture at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Ouahbi must identify a midfield partnership capable of providing both creativity and defensive security.
Bilal El Khannouss: The Natural Option to Replace Ounahi?
Among the available options, Bilal El Khannouss could be considered for the creative midfield role previously occupied by Ounahi.
The Moroccan international offers excellent technical ability, vision and the capacity to operate between opposition lines. His passing range and movement in tight spaces could help Morocco maintain their attacking rhythm and create opportunities for the forwards.
El Khannouss also possesses the ability to carry the ball forward and break defensive lines, qualities that could become particularly important against an opponent expected to defend in a compact structure.
Another possibility is Abdellah Ouazane, the young Ajax talent who represents an opportunity to introduce another creative profile into the senior setup.
At just 17, the youngster is still developing, but his technical qualities and attacking instincts could offer Ouahbi an additional option if the coaching staff decide to give emerging talent more responsibility.
Who Can Fill El Aynaoui's Defensive Role?
Replacing El Aynaoui presents a different challenge.
His energy, pressing intensity, ball recovery and ability to connect defensive and attacking phases make him an important component of the midfield structure.
Several players could be considered for that responsibility, including Oussama Targhalline, whose ability to protect the defence and support transitions could provide valuable balance.
Reda Belahyane is another name attracting attention. After returning to the national-team picture, the midfielder has reportedly been enjoying an encouraging period with Lazio.
His ability to read the game, recover possession and distribute the ball from deeper positions could make him a useful option alongside Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Meanwhile, Samir El Mourabet has received an opportunity following El Aynaoui's injury. His inclusion gives Ouahbi another midfield profile to assess and provides the Strasbourg player with a chance to strengthen his position within the national team.
The challenge will be determining which combination offers the right balance between defensive protection, ball progression and control of possession.
Could Ouahbi Abandon the 4-2-3-1 Formation?
One of the biggest tactical questions concerns whether Ouahbi will maintain his preferred 4-2-3-1 system or consider switching to a 4-3-3 formation.
Both systems offer different possibilities depending on the players selected.
Under a 4-2-3-1 formation, a partnership between Ayyoub Bouaddi and Reda Belahyane could provide the defensive foundation, allowing Bilal El Khannouss to operate further forward as the attacking midfielder.
This arrangement would give Morocco a combination of ball recovery, distribution and creativity behind the forward line.
Alternatively, a 4-3-3 could allow Ouahbi to deploy Bouaddi, Belahyane and Targhalline together in a three-man midfield.
Such a structure could provide additional defensive coverage while allowing El Khannouss greater freedom to operate between the lines and contribute to attacking movements.
The final decision will depend on the coach's assessment of the available players and the tactical demands of the encounter.
An Opportunity for Morocco's Emerging Midfielders
The absence of several established midfielders inevitably creates uncertainty, but it also opens the door for younger players to demonstrate their abilities.
Bouaddi, Ouazane and El Mourabet are among the names who could benefit from greater responsibility, while Belahyane and Targhalline offer alternative profiles with international experience.
For Morocco, the objective must be to maintain the team's identity regardless of personnel changes. Controlling possession, progressing the ball effectively and maintaining defensive organisation will remain essential.
The upcoming fixture against Niger is therefore more than an opportunity to collect another important qualifying victory. It is also a chance for Ouahbi to evaluate his midfield options and discover combinations that could prove valuable in future competitions.
A New Midfield Combination Takes Shape
Replacing Ounahi, El Aynaoui and Saibari will not be straightforward because each brings different qualities to the team.
El Khannouss could provide creativity, Belahyane and Targhalline could contribute to midfield balance, while Bouaddi and El Mourabet offer further possibilities. Ouazane, meanwhile,
represents an opportunity to assess Morocco's emerging generation.
Ultimately, Ouahbi's challenge is to find a combination that preserves the Atlas Lions' technical identity while ensuring they remain competitive in both phases of play.
Against Niger, Morocco will need more than individual replacements. They will need a midfield capable of working together, controlling the game and proving that the Atlas Lions have the depth to overcome difficult moments.