THE Atlas Lions held Croatia to a goalless draw in their opening match of the World Cup on Wednesday, 25th November. The North African side will take on Belgium Sunday 27th, in their second Group F game
World Cup pedigree: Morocco is making its sixth World Cup appearance in Qatar following their exertions in the 1970, 1986, 1994, 1998 and 2018 tournaments. The Atlas Lions have played 16 matches, winning just two, recording five draws and nine defeats.
Star player: Hakim Ziyech -The Chelsea winger returned to the national team just in time for the World Cup after his most-publicised falling out with former coach Vahid Halilhodzic saw him quit international football in September 2021. Ziyech vowed never to play for Morocco again as long as the Franco- Bosnian tactician was still in charge, but he was recalled one year later after Halilhodzic was dismissed.
Coach: Walid Regragui -The former Morocco right-back was appointed in September 2022 to replace Vahid Halilhodzic, who was sacked for what was termed as his ‘tendency to alienate players from the national team.’ Regragui joined the national team after leading Wydad Casablanca to the CAF Champions League double in June. He is not new to the national team, having worked as an assistant coach between 2012 and 2013.
Squad: Chelsea’s Ziyech creates chances and can also finish them. Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi offers pace and drive at right-back while Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou provides a safe pair of hands. Morocco also has Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui, Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri, Soufiane Boufal (Angers), Romain Saiss (Besiktas) and Nayef Aguerd of West Ham United, who are a match for anyone.
Best performance: The North Africans have only gone past the group stage once. This was 36 years ago when they reached the Round of 16 after going unbeaten in the group with a 3-1 victory against Portugal and barren draws with England and Poland.
Return of the ‘Executioner’: Two-time Saudi Arabia Pro League Golden Boot winner Abderrazak Hamdallah, who plays for Al-Ittihad, was recalled to the squad after a three-year hiatus and is seen as Morocco’s hope upfront, especially after the struggles of En-Nesyri in front of goal.
