Harambee Stars Opponents Morocco Name Final Africa Nations Championship Squad

The Atlas Lions have unveiled a strong locally-based squad for CHAN 2024, eyeing redemption and a record third title.

Kenya, who will meet Morocco in their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) match day three encounter, will be up against a determined Atlas Lions side that has set its sights on continental supremacy once again.

The North African giants, back in the tournament after missing the 2022 edition, have named a formidable 28-man squad as they prepare to chase their third CHAN title.

The squad, announced on Wednesday by head coach Tarik Sektioui at the Mohammed VI Complex in Maâmoura, signals Morocco’s intent to return to the summit of African football with a squad rich in domestic experience and continental pedigree.

"We've selected players with the right experience..."

“We’ve selected players with the right experience and mentality for a competition like CHAN,” said Sektioui.

“Many of them play regularly in top-tier continental club competitions, and we believe their cohesion and tactical discipline will serve us well.”

Sektioui’s selection leans heavily on Morocco’s elite local clubs, with RS Berkane, Raja Casablanca, Wydad Casablanca, and AS FAR contributing the core of the squad.

Six players from reigning Moroccan champions Berkane have been called up, including Abdelhak Assal, Ayoub Khairi, and Reda Hajji — all standout performers in the Botola Pro this season.

Adding a layer of international experience to the locally-rooted team are goalkeeper Rachid Ghanimi (FUS Rabat), a 2023 U-23 AFCON winner and Olympic bronze medalist, and Raja Casablanca’s Youssef Belammari, who has six senior national team caps under his belt.

Redemption and Reaffirmation After 2022 Absence

Morocco’s return to CHAN marks a campaign of redemption, after they missed the previous edition.

The Atlas Lions famously clinched back-to-back CHAN titles in 2018 and 2020, becoming the first nation to do so. Should they lift the trophy again this year, they would become the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

“Despite some player departures to Europe, we are confident this squad has what it takes to represent Morocco with pride,” Sektioui told Pulse Sports.

“We focused our selection on technical ability and team chemistry.”

Morocco has been drawn into a challenging Group A alongside hosts Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and DR Congo.

Their campaign kicks off against Angola before a highly anticipated clash with Kenya on match day three — a fixture likely to decide group standings and progression to the knockout rounds.

With attacking threats like Youness El Kaabi, Saifeddine Bouhra, and Youssef Mehri, Morocco’s firepower will be one to watch.

All three bring flair and goalscoring pedigree to a team already stacked with midfield creativity and defensive solidity.

The 2024 CHAN will be staged from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with Morocco eyeing a return to glory and a firm stamp of authority in African local-based football.

Morocco Squad –CHAN 2024

Goalkeepers: Al Harrar Elmehdi, Rachid Ghanimi (FUS Rabat), Aqzdaou Omar (Wydad Casablanca)

Defenders: Moufid Mohamed (Wydad Casablanca), Boulacsout Mohamed, Mchakhchekh Mehdi, Louadni Marouane, Arrassi Bouchaib, Assal Abdelhak (RS Berkane), Belammari Youssef (Raja Casablanca), Zahouani Fouad

Midfielders: Khairi Ayoub (RS Berkane), Hrimat Mohamed Rabie, Souane Amine, Essadak Houssam, Hajji Reda (RS Berkane), Bach Anas, Aït Ouarkhane Khalid, Bougrine Sabir

Forwards: Mehri Youssef (RS Berkane), El Mahraoui Anass, Bouhra Saïf-Eddine (Wydad Casablanca), Baba Khalid, Riahi Imad (RS Berkane), Salaheddine Errahouli, Mouloua Ayoub, El Kaabi Youness, Lamlioui Oussama (RS Berkane)