Mali-Maroc: Morocco reshapes starting XI for Tanger friendly without Hakimi

Yesterday 17:39

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has opted for a significantly reshaped starting lineup for the Lions of the Atlas’ international friendly against Mali on Sunday, October 4, at the Grand Stade de Tanger.

The match marks Morocco’s final fixture of the September-October international window, with Ouahbi using the occasion to rotate his squad after the team’s previous outings against Gabon and Lesotho.

Aguerd returns to the heart of the defense

One of the main changes comes in central defense, where Nayef Aguerd returns to the starting XI after being left out of the lineup against Lesotho.

The defender will partner Issa Diop in the center, while Ali Maamar has been selected at right-back. Anass Salah-Eddine completes the defensive unit on the left.

Yassine Bounou, who will captain the side, remains in goal as Morocco prepare to face the Aigles du Mali in front of a home crowd in Tanger.

The defensive reshuffle gives Aguerd an opportunity to regain rhythm while Ouahbi continues to assess his options across the back line.

A three-man midfield

Ouahbi has also made changes in midfield, opting for a combination of Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Azzedine Ounahi.

The trio will be responsible for controlling possession and providing the link between Morocco’s defense and attacking players. Ounahi brings additional experience to a midfield that includes two younger profiles in El Aynaoui and Bouaddi.

The selection reflects Ouahbi’s willingness to test different combinations as he continues to build depth within the national team.

El Khannouss and Ezzalzouli support Saibari

The Moroccan attack will feature Ismael Saibari as the central attacking option, with Bilal El Khannouss positioned on the right and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli on the left.

The combination gives Morocco a technically gifted front three capable of operating across different areas of the final third.

Notably, Achraf Hakimi remains absent from the starting lineup, meaning the Paris Saint-Germain full-back will not feature from the outset against Mali.

Morocco's starting XI against Mali

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (captain)

Defense: Ali Maamar, Issa Diop, Nayef Aguerd, Anass Salah-Eddine

Midfield: Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Azzedine Ounahi

Attack: Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli

The encounter with Mali provides Ouahbi with another opportunity to evaluate his squad and refine his tactical options. With several positions rotated, the Tanger meeting will also offer valuable playing time to players seeking to strengthen their place in the national-team setup.