Souffian El Karouani issues a challenge to Mohamed Ouahbi: "I must be with the Lions!
Defender Souffian El Karouani believes he deserves a call-up to the Moroccan national team in two weeks. The Utrecht defender hopes to convince the new coach Mohamed Ouahbi after missing the last Africa Cup of Nations.
Souffian El Karouani did not hide his international ambitions after FC Utrecht’s draw against Heracles Almelo. The left-back took advantage of the announcement of Walid Regragui’s immediate replacement by Mohamed Ouahbi to express his desire for a return.
"I simply think I should be part of it," the 25-year-old defender said clearly to ESPN. Despite the lack of direct contact with the new coach, the player says he is ready to regain his place in the national team.
El Karouani is confident in his current club performances. "At the moment, I would be a bit surprised if I wasn’t there," he added, hoping that the change in the technical staff will increase his chances of selection. Goal World Cup 2026 and friendly matches at the end of the month
The defender’s international career has been intermittent in recent years. After three selections in 2021 and two more last year, the Utrecht player has not been called up with the Atlas Lions since October.
This prolonged absence cost him a participation in the Africa Cup of Nations played at home in December last year. A disappointment that the defender hopes to erase during the gathering scheduled in two weeks for the friendly matches.
Morocco will face Ecuador and Paraguay at the end of March as part of their preparation. These tests will be crucial before the World Cup, where the Moroccans will challenge Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in a particularly tough group stage.
