فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Rabat – Editorial Office | National coach Walid Regragui has just announced the official starting lineup for the Atlas Lions to face Tanzania at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat (17:00), for the Round of 16 in the TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025.
El Khannouss and El Aynoui: A New Midfield Engine
Following the confirmed absence of Azzedine Ounahi due to injury, Regragui has decided to start the young talent Bilal El Khannouss alongside Neil El Aynoui in the midfield to manage the build-up play, supported by the physical presence of Ismael Saibari. This lineup aims to maintain midfield balance while providing creative passing to break through the expected Tanzanian defensive block.
Solid Defense and a “Brahim-led” Attack
In the backline, the giant Yassine Bounou continues to guard the goal, supported by the quartet of Hakimi, Mazraoui, Aguerd, and Masina. In the attacking line, Regragui has placed his trust in Ayoub El Kaabi as the main striker, supported by the movements of Brahim Diaz and Abde Ezzalzouli on the wings. This offensive setup reflects the Lions’ determination to settle the match early on home soil.
📋 Official Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (1)
- Defense: Achraf Hakimi (2 – Captain), Noussair Mazraoui (3), Nayef Aguerd (5), Adam Masina (25)
- Midfield: Bilal El Khannouss (23), Neil El Aynoui (24), Ismael Saibari (11)
- Forward: Brahim Diaz (10), Abde Ezzalzouli (17), Ayoub El Kaabi (20)
Substitute Bench: Includes strong options such as Soufiane Rahimi, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Eliesse Ben Seghir, providing Regragui with additional offensive solutions depending on the match’s progress.
