Morocco’s Deep Bench Sets the Stage: Reserves lead the charge as AFCON looms

AFCON Preparations Intensify as Morocco's Reserves Steal the Spotlight

Morocco’s Black Lions gathered at the Mohammed VI Complex as they begin preparations for Africa’s showpiece in Morocco, with the opener against Comoros scheduled for Sunday. The reserve side, led by Tarik Sektoui, has already reached the Arab Cup final now underway in Qatar. Walid Regragui welcomed players as they arrived, observing sessions and noting a number of performances before finalising the AFCON squad.

After watching the Morocco vs UAE match with his squad, Regragui noted several players who had been on his radar before he sealed the final Black Lions list for the continent’s tournament.

Meanwhile, captain Achraf Hakimi and Regragui congratulated their teammates for the reserve side’s progress, lifting spirits and applying fresh pressure on the main squad to crown AFCON glory. The report also recalls how other Moroccan teams—youthful groups, the Chan champions, and the women’s futsal side—have recently tasted success, underscoring the expectation that the senior team sustain Morocco’s continental and global prominence.

As the AFCON countdown continues, the bench’s depth is the talking point—proof that in Moroccan football, the party may well be starting on the bench before the kick-off.

Punchline 1: The bench is so deep, even the subtitles need a life jacket.

Punchline 2: If AFCON were a Netflix series, Morocco’s reserves would be the surprise hit of season one.