Moroccan Midfielder Ounahi Likely to Play Against Gabon After Injury Scare

Doubts are dissipating regarding Azzedine Ounahi’s participation in this match. The Moroccan midfielder seems to be recovering from his injury that prevented him from taking part in the Atlas Lions’ first training sessions. The Panathinaikos player was with his teammates on Wednesday, during the last training session at the Mohammed VI Complex.

The doctors assure that Ounahi is fully recovered and fit to play. Good news for coach Walid Regragui and the Atlas Lions who will be able to count on this key player to win this match against Gabon, counting for the fifth round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Moroccan coach has also called up Zakaria Aboukhlal (Toulouse FC) and Reda Belahyane (Verona), to replace the injured Ilyas Akhomach and Amir Richardson. Already qualified for the final phase of the continental tournament as the host country, the Atlas Lions are determined to snatch the victory against Gabon to continue their flawless run. For their part, the Panthers, second in Group B with 7 points behind Morocco, in the lead with 12 points, will try to secure these three points.

This match is a real test to assess the Moroccan team’s ability to maintain a spirit of victory and stability, Regragui said in a recent press conference, adding that any relaxation on the part of the players will be unacceptable. Achraf Hakimi and his teammates will face the Gabonese team this Friday at the Franceville stadium. Kick-off, 8pm.