KV Mechelen defender earns first Morocco call up while in form Genk defender misses out | OneFootball

KV Mechelen defender Redouane Halhal has earned his first call up to the senior Morocco national team. Halhal will be part of the Atlas Lions’ squad for the upcoming friendlies in March, with the side set to face Ecuador and Paraguay ahead of this summers’ World Cup. Morocco are under a new head coach, with Mohamed Ouahbi having taken over recently from Walid Regragui.

Despite being in great form for Genk, Zakari El Ouahdi has not been included in the squad for the upcoming friendlies. This past week the defender scored his 10th goal of the season and he has been one of the best right-backs in the Belgian Pro League this season.

Returning to Halhal, the 23-year-old has been rewarded for helping KV Mechelen reach the champions play-offs for the first time in their history. Halhal joined the side back in 2024 from Atletico Madrid’s youth set up, having previously been with Montpellier. During the 2024/2025 season he was loaned to the sides sister club, Helmond Sport. After 32 appearances for the side he made his senior debut this year and has become a regular in the sides back three. In 24 games for the side, Halhal has started 22 with one goal and two assists.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson