Morocco have officially confirmed their starting lineup for tonight’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gabon, with Mohamed Ouahbi making several notable selections for his first competitive campaign as head coach.
Playing in front of the home crowd at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the Atlas Lions begin their road to AFCON 2027 with a starting XI combining experienced internationals with several exciting young talents.
Captain Yassine Bounou leads the team from goal, while the lineup also gives important starting opportunities to Yassir Zabiri, Yassine Gessime and Ali Maamar.
Bounou Leads a Changed Defensive Line
The experienced Yassine Bounou starts in goal and wears the captain’s armband as Morocco look to begin their qualifying campaign with a positive result.
In front of him, Noussair Mazraoui lines up alongside Nayef Aguerd and Issa Diop.
With Achraf Hakimi suspended for the opening qualifier, Mazraoui takes on an important role in the defensive structure, while Aguerd provides experience at the heart of the back line.
A Young and Energetic Midfield
Ouahbi has opted for a midfield featuring a mixture of youth, physical presence and technical ability.
Ayyoub Bouaddi and Azzedine Ounahi occupy central roles, with Neil El Aynaoui and Ali Maamar completing the midfield unit.
For Maamar, the selection represents another important step in his development with the senior national team. His inclusion alongside established internationals underlines Ouahbi’s willingness to introduce emerging Moroccan talent into the squad.
Zabiri, Gessime and Ezzalzouli Lead the Attack
Morocco’s attacking line also contains plenty of youth and pace.
Yassine Gessime and Yassir Zabiri are handed starting roles, with Abdessamad Ezzalzouli completing the front three.
Zabiri’s selection is particularly significant after his impressive start to life in Spanish football. The forward has earned growing attention with his performances and now gets the opportunity to make an impact from the beginning in a competitive match for the Atlas Lions.
Ezzalzouli brings additional experience to the attack, while Gessime offers another young attacking option as Morocco look to break down a Gabon side expected to defend compactly and look for opportunities on the counter.
Morocco’s Official Starting XI
Goalkeeper:
Yassine Bounou (1)
Defenders:
Noussair Mazraoui (3), Nayef Aguerd (5), Issa Diop (14)
Midfielders:
Ayyoub Bouaddi (6), Azzedine Ounahi (8), Neil El Aynaoui (24), Ali Maamar (28)
Forwards:
Yassine Gessime (16), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (17), Yassir Zabiri (21)
Strong Options on the Bench
Ouahbi also has several important options available among the substitutes.
Munir El Kajoui provides goalkeeping experience, while Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Anass Salah-Eddine, Redouane Halhal and Marwane Saâdane offer defensive alternatives.
Further forward, Soufiane El-Faouzi, Ilias Akhomach, Bilal El Khannouss and Soufiane Rahimi give Morocco plenty of attacking and creative possibilities should the game require a change of approach.
Zakaria El Ouahdi and Oussama Targhalline complete the substitutes.
A New Competitive Chapter Under Ouahbi
Tonight’s match marks an important moment for Mohamed Ouahbi, who takes charge of Morocco in his first competitive fixture as national-team head coach.
The Atlas Lions enter the campaign with high expectations, but the starting XI shows a clear willingness to give opportunities to a new generation of Moroccan internationals.
With Gabon standing between Morocco and their first three points of the qualifying campaign, the focus now shifts from selection to performance.
The road to AFCON 2027 officially begins in Rabat.