Rabat, Morocco – Mohamed Ouahbi, recently appointed as head coach of the Morocco national football team, has expressed his satisfaction with the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to officially award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) to Morocco. The announcement, made just days ago, followed a complex series of events that saw the tournament initially awarded to Guinea, then stripped from the nation due to infrastructure concerns and ultimately re-allocated to Morocco.
Speaking at his first press conference as the Lions of Atlas’ manager on Thursday, March 19th, Ouahbi was inevitably questioned about the controversial circumstances surrounding Morocco’s acquisition of the hosting rights. The CAF’s Appeals Board formally confirmed Morocco as hosts, a decision stemming from issues with the original host nation, Guinea. Whereas the situation has been met with mixed reactions across the continent, Ouahbi struck a conciliatory tone.
“Before we begin, I would like to congratulate all Moroccans and the Federation on the good news we learned two days ago, and which is deserved,” Ouahbi stated, setting a positive tone for the conference. He quickly moved to emphasize a forward-looking approach, acknowledging the significance of the decision while prioritizing preparation for future competitions.
“This decision pleased me and will please everyone,” Ouahbi continued. “But it is key to focus on the present and the future. My goal is to make the team perform well in the next World Cup, so I will not dwell on what has been done before.” This sentiment underscores Ouahbi’s intention to move past the contentious backdrop of the CAN 2025 award and concentrate on building a competitive squad.
The new Morocco manager was keen to deflect from further discussion of the CAF’s decision-making process, stating, “The CAF, the authorities, and our federation have done what needed to be done, but I will not speculate on what has been said in recent days. The most important thing is to look ahead.” This measured response reflects a desire to unify the team and the nation behind a common goal: success on the pitch.
Squad Announcement and World Cup Focus
Ouahbi’s press conference also touched upon his initial squad selection for upcoming friendly matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. These fixtures, scheduled for later in March, will serve as crucial preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Morocco has been drawn into a challenging group alongside Haiti, Scotland, and Brazil, making these warm-up games particularly important.
The 28-man squad includes Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz, both returning to the national team setup. Notably, Lille forward Ayyoub Bouaddi was not included in the selection, with reports suggesting he remains eligible for a potential call-up from France. This omission highlights the competitive depth within the Moroccan squad and the difficult decisions Ouahbi faces in selecting his final teams.
The upcoming matches against Ecuador and Paraguay will provide Ouahbi with a valuable opportunity to assess his players and refine his tactical approach. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, represents a significant challenge for Morocco, and Ouahbi is determined to ensure his team is fully prepared.
The decision to host the CAN 2025 on home soil presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Morocco. The passionate support of Moroccan fans will undoubtedly provide a significant boost, but the pressure to deliver a successful tournament will be immense. Ouahbi recognizes this pressure and is committed to building a team capable of meeting the expectations of the nation.
Morocco’s journey to the 2026 World Cup and the CAN 2025 will be closely watched by football fans across Africa and beyond. With a new coach at the helm and a talented squad, the Lions of Atlas are poised to embark on an exciting new chapter in their footballing history. The focus now shifts firmly to preparation, performance, and the pursuit of glory on both the continental and global stages.
The appointment of Mohamed Ouahbi marks a new era for Moroccan football, following the departure of Walid Regragui. Ouahbi’s emphasis on a forward-looking approach and his commitment to building a strong team suggest a promising future for the Lions of Atlas. As the nation prepares to host the CAN 2025, all eyes will be on Ouahbi and his squad as they strive to bring the trophy home.
