Rising Star El Aynaoui Eyes Morocco Call-Up for AFCON Through Roma Performances

Recalling that he has already played with the Atlas Lions (U23), El Aynaoui hopes to join the senior team to take part in the next AFCON scheduled in Morocco. "I know that everything will come in due time, if I continue to shine. So, I am focusing on giving my best with AS Roma, and then we will see what the future holds," said the 24-year-old player, on Saturday after AS Roma’s 2-0 friendly win over his former club RC Lens.

This statement from the midfielder puts an end to the persistent controversies over the choice of his sporting nationality. El Aynaoui’s entourage had announced the player’s decision to represent Morocco at the international level. Due to an injury, the AS Roma midfielder had missed the Atlas Lions’ training camp in June for the matches against Niger and Zambia, counting towards the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.