International break: The four major challenges facing Mohamed Ouahbi with Morocco | OneFootball

The four major challenges facing Mohamed Ouahbi with Morocco

International break: The four major challenges facing Mohamed Ouahbi with Morocco

Recently appointed as head coach of the Moroccan national team, Mohamed Ouahbi faces four major challenges during this March international break.

The new coach of the Atlas Lions will make his debut on Friday, March 27, against Ecuador, before facing Paraguay on March 31.

Taking over from Walid Regragui, Ouahbi will be looking to kick off his tenure in style, having already made headlines last October by guiding the U-17 side to a remarkable triumph at the Youth World Cup.

Here are the four main tasks awaiting Mohamed Ouahbi with Morocco during this March FIFA window.

Rebuilding a solid defense

With just months to go before the final phase of the 2026 World Cup, the new boss of the Atlas Lions must rebuild a reliable backline.

Unable to count on Nayef Aguerd, who is recovering from groin surgery, and Adam Masina, who is not match-fit after terminating his contract with FC Torino, the Moroccan coach will use the two friendlies to test new central defensive options.

To recap, he will be banking on four new defenders who were not selected for AFCON: Chadi Riad, Issa Diop, Ismaël Baouf, and Redouane Halhal.

Throwing the young wolves into the fray

As a developer of young talent, Morocco's new head coach has called up several young prospects for this international break, notably the three U-20 World Cup champions Ismaël Baouf, Yassine Gessime, and Yassir Zabiri, as well as Samir El Mourabet, the midfielder from RC Strasbourg.

Mohamed Ouahbi is certain to give these young guns some playing time, with Ismaël Baouf of Cambur highly likely to form the central defensive partnership with Fulham’s Issa Diop.

Finding the perfect partner for Neil El Aynaoui

AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui was undoubtedly one of the major revelations of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The son of former tennis star Younès El Aynaoui impressed with his ability to cover ground and dictate play, thanks to his physical condition and outstanding technical skills.

The new Atlas Lions manager will have plenty of options to find the ideal midfield partner for Neil El Aynaoui, choosing from Azzedine Ounahi, Ismaël Saibari, Bilal El Khannouss, and Samir El Mourabet.

Rediscovering attacking football

Morocco did not display particularly spectacular football at the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which drew heavy criticism toward Walid Regragui.

Ouahbi’s final challenge will be to restore an attacking brand of football, in line with the technical abilities of his players, to both impress and deliver on the international stage.