Mohamed Ouahbi has been appointed as the new manager of the Morocco national team, replacing Walid Regragui, according to reports from French outlet Adel Bentaha. The change comes after Morocco’s performance in the recent African Cup of Nations, the outcome of which was not specified in the report, triggered a series of unexpected changes within the national setup. Regragui’s departure marks a shift in leadership following the team’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Morocco’s success at the 2022 World Cup, becoming the first African nation to reach that stage of the competition, had raised expectations for the team. However, the departure of Regragui, and with him a degree of the surprise factor that aided their Qatar campaign, presents new challenges. The team is now viewed as a contender, rather than an underdog, particularly as they prepare to face opponents like Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland. A pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks, is expected to be key to navigating these challenges.
Ouahbi, previously the head coach of the Morocco U20 team – with whom he won a World Cup – was installed in March and represents a continuation of the federation’s desired path. He has swiftly begun a significant overhaul of the squad, integrating young players such as Ayyoub Bouaddi (18), Chemsdine Talbi (21), Samir El Mourabet (19), Gessime Yassine (20), and Ayoube Amaimouni (21) into the senior team. Simultaneously, several experienced players in their thirties, including Boufal, El Yamiq, En-Nesyri, and Masina, have been released from the squad.
The squad is also dealing with injuries to key players Nayef Aguerd (groin) and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (knee), further complicating Ouahbi’s task. Morocco has been preparing for upcoming matches against Burundi and Madagascar, securing victories of 5-0 and 4-0 respectively, as a means of rebuilding confidence. Despite the influx of youth, the team now faces the pressure of being considered semi-favorites, raising the stakes for success in future tournaments. The first major test will be a match against Brazil.
