Morocco Stars Ziyech and Mazraoui Decline World Cup Qualifier Call-Up

The Atlas Lions will face the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on March 24 and 29 next in the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs without Hakim Ziyech, Noussair Mazraoui. The latter have declined the invitation from the FRMF boss. On MFM, Fouzi Lekjaa announced this Sunday that Hakim Ziyech, Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli have received their pre-call-up for the next gathering of the Atlas Lions.

"With a broken heart, I have decided not to play for the national team against Congo. I wish the best for the group and hope to see you again soon," Noussair Mazraoui wrote on Instagram. Hakim Ziyech also posted a message on the same social network to decline the invitation. "I love my country and playing for the national team has been an honor in my life. It is therefore with great sadness that despite the announcement of the president of the FRMF, today my choice is made, I will not return to play for the Moroccan national team and I prefer to focus with Chelsea." Bad news for the coach of the Atlas Lions Vahid Halilhodzic who "does everything" to qualify Morocco for the 2022 World Cup.