Morocco will face Lesotho in Bloemfontein on Tuesday with a significantly reshaped starting XI as Mohamed Ouahbi continues to manage his squad during the early stages of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
After the 2–0 victory over Gabon, the national team coach has made several changes, bringing back key players who were unavailable for the opening fixture while also rotating some of the players who started in Rabat.
Aït Boudlal Steps Into Central Defense
The biggest change at the back comes in central defense.
With Nayef Aguerd remaining in Morocco to continue his recovery programme, young Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal has been handed a starting role alongside Issa Diop.
The pair will form the centre-back partnership in front of captain Yassine Bounou, who remains between the posts.
On the right, Zakaria El Ouahdi gets the start, while Noussair Mazraoui keeps his place on the opposite side.
Hakimi Starts on the Bench
One of the notable decisions is the decision to leave Achraf Hakimi on the bench despite his return from suspension.
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back was unavailable against Gabon but is now back in the matchday squad.
Rather than immediately returning him to the starting XI, Ouahbi has opted to use El Ouahdi on the right, giving the youngster another opportunity to contribute at international level.
Targhalline Comes Into Midfield
There is also a change in the centre of the pitch.
Oussama Targhalline comes into the starting XI, replacing Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has been given a rest after starting the opening qualifier.
He will operate alongside Neil El Aynaoui and Azzedine Ounahi, providing a midfield combination of defensive work, ball progression and experience.
Saibari and Brahim Diaz Return
The attack sees the biggest transformation.
Ismael Saibari returns to the starting lineup after missing the Gabon match through suspension, while Brahim Diaz is back after sitting out the opener because of muscular discomfort.
Bilal El Khannouss also comes into the XI.
The trio replaces Gessime Yassine, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Yassir Zabiri, who all started Morocco’s opening victory.
It gives the Atlas Lions a different attacking profile, with more experience and creativity available in the final third.
Morocco’s Starting XI
Yassine Bounou (Captain)
Zakaria El Ouahdi – Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal – Issa Diop – Noussair Mazraoui
Oussama Targhalline – Neil El Aynaoui – Azzedine Ounahi
Ismael Saibari – Brahim Diaz – Bilal El Khannouss
Another Opportunity for Ouahbi’s Squad
The changes underline the depth available to the Morocco coach as the Atlas Lions continue their qualifying campaign.
Several players who impressed against Gabon now move to the bench, while others return after suspension or injury concerns.
The objective remains unchanged: build on the opening victory and collect another three points in Bloemfontein.
With a refreshed lineup and several familiar faces back in the starting XI, Morocco are ready for their second test on the road to AFCON 2027.