What Morocco’s AFCON 2027 Qualifier Against Lesotho Says About Its Squad Plans
Morocco face Lesotho on Tuesday in the second match of their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign. The game will be played at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, days after Morocco opened qualifying with a 2-0 win over Gabon in Rabat. Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi scored in that victory.
A Medical Call That Changed the Squad
The biggest selection story is not about who is in the team, but who stayed home. Nayef Aguerd remained in Morocco while the national team travelled to South Africa. Morocco World News reported, citing the Moroccan outlet Almountakhab, that the defender is continuing an individual training programme at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé. He is working back from recent surgery, and coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s technical staff decided against rushing his return.
The plan appears to be aimed at having Aguerd ready for Morocco’s upcoming friendly against Ghana. That means the Lesotho fixture is now a chance for Ouahbi to test alternative options at the back without exposing a player who is not yet fully fit.
Two Regulars Return
Morocco’s travelling party includes two players who could not play in the Gabon game. Captain Achraf Hakimi is available again after suspension. Bayern Munich midfielder Ismael Saibari is also back after being suspended for the opener. Their return gives the side more width, more experience, and more competition for places.
Full lineups had not been confirmed in the reporting reviewed for this article. Still, the available squad contains a stronger first-choice core than the one that started against Gabon.
Why the Result Matters
A win in Bloemfontein would put Morocco on six points from two qualifiers. That kind of start would give the coaching staff flexibility over the next international windows, especially with the Ghana friendly already scheduled. A slip would not end Morocco’s hopes, but it would make the group stage tighter than it needs to be.
For Ouahbi, the game is also a selection test. Aguerd’s absence shows that fitness decisions come before sentiment. Hakimi and Saibari’s availability shows the depth he can call on. The team he picks against Lesotho will say as much about Morocco’s plans as the final score does.