Diaz and Mazraoui return to Morocco squad as Ziyech sits out for final qualifiers
Galatasaray forward Hakim Ziyech has been left out of Morocco's squad for their final 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to fitness concerns.
The Atlas Lions, who will host the tournament, face Gabon on November 15 before meeting Lesotho three days later, with Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi set to captain the side.
Manager Walid Regragui has been boosted by the return of several key players, with both Brahim Diaz and Noussair Mazraoui back in the squad after recovering from their respective injuries.
The squad announcement also sees defender Adam Masina and full-back Yahya Attiat Allah making their returns to the national team setup, though veteran centre-back Romain Saiss is a notable absentee alongside Ziyech.
Despite being initially tipped for inclusion, Ziyech's omission comes as he continues his recovery from injury, with the technical staff deeming him not yet ready for international duty.
The squad maintains its core strength with the inclusion of several established internationals.
Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd, Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, and Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri all retain their places in the team.
The Atlas Lions will gather for their first training session ahead of the Gabon fixture, which will be played on November 15, before facing Lesotho in their final qualifier on November 18.
As tournament hosts, Morocco have already secured their place at TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025, but these qualifiers represent important preparation as they look to build momentum ahead of the continental showpiece on home soil.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir Mohamedi, Salaheddine Chihab, Ayoub El Khayati
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (captain), Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd, Abdelkabir Abqar, Jamal Harkass, Adam Masina, Adam Aznou, Yahya Attiat Allah
Midfielders: Bilal El Khannouss, Amir Richardson, Ismael Saibari, Sofyan Amrabat, Oussama Targhalline, Eliesse ben Seghir, Azzedine Ounahi
Forwards: Ilias Akhomach, Brahim Diaz, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Osame Sahraoui, Abde Ezzalzouli