In an unexpected decision, Moroccan national team coach Walid Regragui has called up Zakaria Aboukhlal, striker for Toulouse FC, to fill in for Elias Akhomach, who suffered an injury during Villarreal’s match against Deportivo Alaves in La Liga’s 13th round.
This call-up comes at a crucial time as Morocco prepares for two decisive matches in the African qualifiers for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, set to be hosted in Morocco. The Atlas Lions will face Gabon on Friday in Franceville, followed by a home game against Lesotho on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Honor Stadium in Oujda.
These matches are vital for Morocco’s qualifying journey, with Regragui aiming to strengthen the squad by incorporating experienced and dynamic players to balance out recent absences and maintain the team’s attacking and defensive balance. Aboukhlal’s inclusion is seen as a valuable addition, given his offensive skills and speed, making him an ideal choice to bolster the forward line in Akhomach’s absence.
Moroccan fans hope this change will contribute to positive results, reinforcing the team’s readiness to host the tournament and to excel on home soil. Expectations are high as Morocco looks to capitalize on its home advantage to claim the African title in front of its supporters.