Tawfik Bentayeb cleared for Morocco duty but to miss Gabon game

This update focuses on Tawfik Bentayeb Morocco. Moroccan striker Tawfik Bentayeb has been cleared to travel from Anderlecht and link up with Morocco, but he will miss the Atlas Lions’ opening game against Gabon in Rabat.

Tawfik Bentayeb Morocco update after head injury scare

Starting for Anderlecht against Zulte Waregem on Saturday, Tawfik Bentayeb made a strong impact before his injury. He scored the opener and provided an assist for his team’s second goal.

The turning point came in the 55th minute, when he took a heavy blow to the face in a duel and had to leave the pitch.

As a precaution, the forward was taken to hospital for tests and observation. After several hours, he was discharged at around 2 a.m.

Further medical checks proved reassuring, and his condition did not jeopardise his presence with the national team, according to his club.

Anderlecht has confirmed that he can join Morocco’s training camp, while stressing that a strict recovery protocol must be respected.

Concussion protocol keeps him out of Gabon clash

Under FIFA’s medical protocol on concussions, Tawfik Bentayeb must follow an individual recovery programme over the next seven to ten days.

This timetable rules him out of the Atlas Lions’ first fixture, scheduled for Friday 25 September in Rabat against Gabon.

During this phase, the medical staff with Morocco will closely monitor Bentayeb’s progress. The priority is a safe, step‑by‑step return before he resumes competitive action.

For fans, including Moroccans living abroad who had planned trips home around this match, it means waiting a little longer to see Bentayeb back on the pitch in national colours.

Towards Lesotho and the rest of Morocco’s camp

If recovery goes according to plan, Tawfik Bentayeb could be available for the rest of the camp, especially the away game in Lesotho.

Morocco are due to face Lesotho on 29 September in Bloemfontein, in AFCON 2027 qualifying.

This fixture is part of a qualification campaign closely followed by Moroccans worldwide, many of whom organise trips back home or match nights abroad around the national team’s schedule.

Morocco will then host Ghana in a friendly on 4 October in Tangier. This run of matches should help the coach fine‑tune his squad, balancing established leaders and emerging players such as Bentayeb.

Key dates for fans in Morocco and abroad

For Moroccans living overseas who want to combine a visit home with these fixtures, the current schedule is:

• 25 September in Rabat: Morocco vs Gabon (Bentayeb ruled out)
• 29 September in Bloemfontein: Lesotho vs Morocco (AFCON 2027 qualifier)
• 4 October in Tangier: Morocco vs Ghana (friendly)

Practical details on tickets and stadium access should be checked through the official channels of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (frmf.ma).

The main positive for now is clear: it was more fear than harm for Tawfik Bentayeb. The striker has avoided a serious injury and, once he completes the protocol, should soon be able to contribute to Morocco’s AFCON 2027 campaign.

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