Morocco has made two last-minute adjustments to its World Cup squad due to injuries affecting forward Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd. Ezzalzouli, currently with Real Betis, is sidelined for four to six weeks following a knee injury sustained during a warm-up match against Norway. Aguerd, formerly with West Ham and now at Marseille, has been dealing with a persistent groin issue. To fill their spots, Morocco has called up 23-year-old Amine Sbai from Angers and 34-year-old Marwane Saadane from Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia. Morocco is set to kick off their Group C campaign against Brazil on June 13, followed by matches against Scotland and Haiti. Captain Achraf Hakimi recently returned to the pitch after overcoming a thigh injury, while notable absences include former Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech.
Why It Matters
Morocco’s adjustments come as they aim to build on their impressive performance in the 2022 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals, marking a significant achievement for African teams in the tournament’s history. The team’s FIFA ranking currently stands at seventh, reflecting their rising status in international football. The inclusion of players like Sbai and Saadane highlights Morocco’s depth and adaptability, essential qualities for competing against top-tier teams such as Brazil. Morocco’s previous success, including a controversial Africa Cup of Nations victory, underscores their potential to make a significant impact in future international competitions.
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