Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to make several changes to Morocco’s starting lineup for Sunday’s friendly against Mali at the Grand Stade de Tanger.
The Atlas Lions are coming off two 2–0 victories over Gabon and Lesotho in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifying matches, and the upcoming friendly provides an opportunity to rotate the squad while assessing different tactical options.
Several Changes Expected
The changes are expected to affect all three areas of the team, with the national coach looking to give playing time to players who did not start the previous match.
The friendly also gives the technical staff another chance to assess the physical and tactical readiness of several players ahead of the next international challenges.
Hakimi and Aguerd Set to Return
In defence, Achraf Hakimi is expected to return to the starting XI after coming off the bench against Lesotho.
Nayef Aguerd could also return to the heart of the defence, where he is expected to partner Issa Diop.
The left-back position remains less certain, with Zakaria El Ouahdi and Anass Salah-Eddine among the options following the absence of Noussair Mazraoui.
Another Opportunity in Midfield
In midfield, Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to retain his place alongside Neil El Aynaoui.
The attacking midfield position remains open, with Ouahbi having several options available as he continues to test different combinations.
Azzedine Ounahi is among the players expected to feature, potentially offering another link between midfield and the attacking line.
Saibari Could Lead the Attack
One of the most interesting possibilities comes in the final third.
Ismael Saibari is reportedly a candidate to operate as the central striker, while Abdessamad Ezzalzouli could start on the left wing.
On the opposite side, Brahim Diaz remains one of the leading options to occupy the right flank.
The potential reshuffle would give the coaching staff a chance to evaluate different attacking profiles and see how they combine against a new opponent.
The Expected Morocco XI
Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
Defence: Zakaria El Ouahdi – Nayef Aguerd – Issa Diop – Achraf Hakimi
Midfield: Ayyoub Bouaddi – Neil El Aynaoui – Azzedine Ounahi
Attack: Abdessamad Ezzalzouli – Ismael Saibari – Brahim Diaz
Another Test for Ouahbi
Beyond the result, Sunday’s match represents an important opportunity for the national coach to expand his tactical options and assess the depth of his squad.
With several players competing for starting positions, the friendly can provide valuable minutes to different combinations while allowing the technical staff to continue shaping the team for the challenges ahead.
The Atlas Lions will now look to use the Tangier meeting as another step in their preparation, while Ouahbi continues to build a squad with greater depth and flexibility.