Regraki Shocks with Surprise: Exclusion of Stars and Complete Overhaul of National Team Ahead of Benin
Walid Regraki is preparing to make significant changes to the Moroccan national team’s lineup for the friendly match against Benin, scheduled for Monday evening at the Fez stadium, as part of preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The national coach hinted after the victory over Tunisia that he intends to rest several key players, particularly those involved in the Club World Cup, starting with Achraf Hakimi, who has endured a demanding season with Paris Saint-Germain.
Regraki aims to provide opportunities for new, untested players to assess their readiness ahead of the continental competition. Sources close to the coaching staff revealed that Omar Hilali from Espanyol will replace Hakimi at right-back, while emerging names such as Zakaria Ouhadi from Genk, Abdelhak Asal from RS Berkane, Hamza Ighoudan from Glasgow Rangers, Marouane Sanadi from Athletic Bilbao, and Amir Richardson from Fiorentina are expected to make appearances.
The return of Abdessamad Ezzalzouli is also possible after recovering from an injury that kept him out of the Tunisia match, giving the coaching staff a chance to evaluate him again. Regraki is counting on this friendly to determine the new players’ ability to integrate and contribute before making final decisions about the Africa Cup squad.
Morocco previously defeated Tunisia 2-0 in a match that showcased the talents of Hakimi and Ayoub El Kaabi in front of a large crowd at the Fez stadium. The encounter with Benin could serve as a platform for new faces and decisive placements in the final lineup, with less than six months until the tournament kicks off.
