Ouahbi explains Sofyan Amrabat’s absence from the Atlas Lions squad

This update focuses on Ouahbi Sofyan Amrabat absence. As Morocco prepare for their first 2027 AFCON qualifying matches, the absence of Sofyan Amrabat continues to spark debate among Atlas Lions fans, both at home and across the Moroccan community abroad.

Speaking at a press conference before the games against Gabon and Lesotho, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi set out to clarify his stance. At the heart of his explanation: current form, meritocracy and the place of past achievements in squad selection. The topic Ouahbi Sofyan Amrabat absence has become a revealing test of his method.

Ouahbi Sofyan Amrabat absence: what to know

Mohamed Ouahbi began by recalling the crucial role Sofyan Amrabat has played in the recent history of the national team. He underlined how much the midfielder has contributed to the Atlas Lions during major campaigns in recent years.

The coach acknowledged that Amrabat’s disappointment is understandable, especially after a spell with reduced playing time at club level. But in his view, that strong past alone is not enough to secure an automatic place in the current squad.

This clarification resonates with Moroccan fans living abroad, who remain deeply attached to the core players that helped raise Morocco’s profile on the global stage.

“No conflict” between Ouahbi and Amrabat

In response to rumours, Mohamed Ouahbi insisted on a key point: there is no personal issue with Sofyan Amrabat. He stated that there is “no conflict” between the player, himself or his staff.

According to the coach, the midfielder’s absence is mainly linked to playing time and the player’s desire for more minutes. The decision, he suggested, is purely sporting rather than disciplinary.

By setting this framework, the coach aims to calm concerns and show that the case of Ouahbi Sofyan Amrabat absence stems from an assumed technical choice, not from internal tensions.

Past achievements earn respect, not privileges

Mohamed Ouahbi then outlined his broader philosophy for building the national team squad. He considers a player’s experience and history with Morocco to be important, but not sufficient to guarantee a place.

He summed up this approach with a strong message: the past earns respect, but does not grant privileges. In practice, selection is guided by two main criteria:

• sporting merit;
• current form.

This stance sends a clear signal to all candidates for the national team, including those playing in European leagues who are closely followed by Moroccans living abroad.

A message to fans before Gabon and Lesotho

By clarifying Sofyan Amrabat’s situation, Mohamed Ouahbi is trying to refocus attention on the immediate objective: starting the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign well against Gabon and Lesotho.

For supporters scattered across Europe, North America or the Gulf, his statement offers reassurance about the coherence of the national team project. It also shows that the door is not closed to key figures from recent years, provided they regain convincing momentum at club level.

The issue of this case thus appears as part of a broader transition, in which Morocco’s national team seeks to balance respect for those who shaped its recent success with the sporting demands of upcoming competitions.

The coming results against Gabon and Lesotho will shape how this choice is perceived, and whether this clear line of meritocracy continues to guide future squad lists.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.