Morocco Consider Youssef En-Nesyri for November AFCON Qualifiers
Morocco head coach Mohamed Wahbi may be preparing a notable change to his attacking plans ahead of the Atlas Lions’ November camp. With two crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Niger approaching, the coach is reportedly considering a return for striker Youssef En-Nesyri, whose recent form for Al-Ittihad has strengthened his case for selection.
The potential call-up would add a conventional centre-forward to a Morocco attack that has featured several different options since Wahbi took charge. It could also reshape the competition for the starting role, with Ayoub El Kaabi potentially pushed further down the pecking order if En-Nesyri earns a place in the squad.
A different profile for Morocco’s attack
Wahbi has used a range of forwards, including El Kaabi, Soufiane Rahimi and Ismaël Saibari. Each offers different qualities, from movement and link-up play to the ability to attack space. But the coach is understood to be looking for a striker who can operate more consistently inside the penalty area and provide a clear focal point for Morocco’s forward line.
That distinction matters in international football. Against opponents likely to defend deep, a team may need more than quick combinations and fluid movement around the box. A traditional number nine can occupy central defenders, contest crosses, create space for runners and turn limited opportunities into goals. En-Nesyri’s aerial presence and willingness to make direct runs could give Morocco another way to break down compact defences.
According to information reported by Kooora, En-Nesyri has recently attracted Wahbi’s attention and is under serious consideration for the November squad. The coach is said to be interested in a penalty-box striker rather than relying exclusively on a false nine or a forward who regularly drops into midfield.
En-Nesyri’s club form strengthens his case
The 28-year-old has made a productive start to the season with Al-Ittihad. Across 13 appearances in all competitions, he has scored seven goals and provided two assists. His recent Saudi Pro League form has been especially encouraging: he has found the net in four of his last five league outings for the Jeddah club.
Those numbers give Wahbi a timely reason to reconsider the striker. Goals at club level do not guarantee international selection, but a forward arriving in camp with confidence can be valuable—particularly when a team is preparing for competitive qualifiers. En-Nesyri’s recent scoring run also offers a practical argument for giving him another opportunity, rather than relying solely on past performances in the national team shirt.
His strengths could complement Morocco’s creative players. If the Atlas Lions can deliver early crosses, play through balls behind the defence or create second-ball chances around the area, En-Nesyri may provide a more direct target than a mobile forward operating between the lines. That could make Morocco less predictable and give Wahbi more options depending on the match situation.
Rahimi’s fitness adds uncertainty
Morocco’s selection calculations may also be affected by the fitness of Soufiane Rahimi. The Al-Ain forward was injured during a match against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, and his condition remained unclear in the immediate aftermath. With the November camp approaching, the coaching staff will need to assess whether he can recover in time and return to full match fitness.
Rahimi’s availability is important because he offers a different kind of threat from a classic centre-forward. His movement, pace and ability to connect with teammates can make him effective in a fluid attack. If he is unavailable—or not ready to play a full role—En-Nesyri’s ability to lead the line could become even more appealing.
El Kaabi’s position is another point to watch. The striker has been among the players used by Wahbi, but En-Nesyri’s reported emergence as a candidate could intensify competition for the central role. Rather than representing a simple choice between two players, the decision may depend on the opponent, the desired shape and whether Morocco need a more physical presence or a forward who offers different movement.
A possible return to the Atlas Lions
En-Nesyri has not featured for Morocco since Wahbi became head coach. His most recent appearance for the national team came at the latest Africa Cup of Nations, making a November call-up a potential return after a period away from the squad.
That history gives the selection story added significance. A recall would not simply reward current club form; it would also give Wahbi the chance to evaluate how the striker fits into his preferred system. The coach could use him from the start, introduce him as an impact substitute or pair him with a more mobile forward when Morocco need to increase pressure in the final third.
What to expect in the Niger fixtures
Morocco’s two meetings with Niger, scheduled for the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, provide an important test of Wahbi’s attacking choices. The matches will offer an opportunity to build momentum, refine combinations and assess which forwards are best suited to the demands of competitive football.
Any prediction about Morocco’s starting striker remains tentative until the squad is announced and the players’ fitness is confirmed. Still, En-Nesyri’s seven goals for Al-Ittihad, his recent league scoring streak and his penalty-area profile make him a credible contender. If Wahbi wants a more direct centre-forward, the striker’s form may be difficult to ignore.
The final decision will depend on more than statistics. Wahbi must weigh En-Nesyri’s current rhythm against the familiarity and qualities of the other forwards, while also monitoring Rahimi’s recovery. But a return for the Al-Ittihad striker would give Morocco a fresh attacking option—and could signal that the coach is ready to add a more traditional number nine to the Atlas Lions’ plans for November.
