Morocco’s Coach Regragui Faces Selection Challenges for June Friendlies

More than six players including Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), are expected to miss these two matches scheduled during the international break. Walid Regragui is looking for other talents to fill these absences. An opportunity for the latter to prove what they are capable of, according to sports analyst Abderrahim Ouchrif. "I think these absences will be positive for the national coach, and the two friendly matches will give him time to try out substitutes and newcomers, and offer them the opportunity to reveal their abilities and skills," he said in an interview with Al3omk.

Ouchrif hopes that these substitute players will seize this opportunity to gain the confidence of the Moroccan coach. "The main objective today is to have a solid bench, which is not inferior to the basic formation, and not a bench marked by doubt and whose participation is not assured. This is a negative point for any coach, and we hope to find ourselves at the Africa Cup of Nations in a complete preparation on technical, physical and tactical levels," concluded the sports analyst.

In addition to Diaz, Hakimi and Bounou, players such as Soufiane Rahimi, Mehdi Benabid, Adam Aznou, and Yahya Attiat Allah, will be missing against Tunisia and Benin. To replace these starters, Regragui should line up Ayoub Bouaddi, if the latter finally chooses Morocco. The return of Mohamed Chibi, right-back of the Egyptian club Pyramids, is also announced. Morocco will face Tunisia in a friendly match on June 6, before crossing cleats against Benin on the 9th of the same month, on the pitch of the Grand Stade de Fès.