AFCON Countdown: Regragui's October Window Could Make or Break Morocco's Core

The October window: a make-or-break moment for the Atlas Lions

The Moroccan Football Federation announced the date of its traditional press conference that Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions coach, uses to unveil the squad.

The event is scheduled for next Thursday at the Mohammed VI Complex in Rabat, with a mood of heightened anticipation as AFCON looms.

On October 9, the national team will host Bahrain in a friendly, followed by a decisive Congo clash three days later to close out the World Cup qualifiers.

Both matches will be played at Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Regragui described this international window as crucial and of utmost importance, insisting that the make up of the Morocco squad and the AFCON lineup will largely crystallize in the coming days.

That anticipation has turned the press conference into a must watch event for fans and media, given the potential surprises in selections or omissions.

Injuries, returns, and the Ziyech file

The biggest challenge for Regragui ahead of this window is injuries, with Nassir Mazraoui officially ruled out of the camp for the third consecutive time after his club announced a month of treatment.

Mazraoui's injuries have recurred at crucial moments, including before the Qatar World Cup and earlier AFCON campaigns, increasing the staff's concern.

Sofiane Rahimi, the winger from Al Ain in the UAE, is also likely to miss as he has recently stayed away from national team camps and has not featured in his club's latest matches.

The injury curse continues with defenders Romain Saiss of Al Sadd and Shadi Riyad of Crystal Palace, as the former has not recovered from ankle surgery and the latter suffers a ligament problem.

On the brighter side, Abdessamad El Yazouli, Real Betis winger, looks set to return after a long absence.

Reports from Koora indicate his call-up to the squad after three camps missed due to an injury in the Europa Conference League final against Chelsea.

Regragui watched the player closely and expressed admiration for his form after his return, noting his goals for his club domestically and in Europe.

The camp will also welcome Bilal Nadiri, Marseille midfielder, who the coach recently watched during a European tour.

The surprise selection is Youssef Khadim, the Alaves winger on loan from Real Madrid, who has impressed with his form and has outshone Adam Azznou of Everton, who has seen little playing time.

The Ziyech file then takes the spotlight.

Ziyech, the veteran star, remains without a club after the end of the free agency window, a situation that threatens his AFCON participation.

Regragui had said he would give Ziyech one more chance to find a club, but stressed that a lack of regular competition would complicate his inclusion in the final squad.

Ziyech's position is further tested by strong challengers for his role, such as Ibrahim Diaz of Real Madrid, Shams El Talbi of Sunderland, and Elias Akhoumach of Villarreal.

If Ziyech does not resolve his future quickly, Regragui is likely to announce his omission, potentially ending a long debate surrounding the player's relationship with the national team.

AFCON countdown: what this camp means

Regragui knows this October camp is the last major test before the Africa Cup of Nations begins.

He has repeatedly said the Bahrain-Congo window will largely determine the core lineup and the final choices.

Between injuries, returns, and the Ziyech saga, the upcoming press conference promises to be more than a squad reveal and a moment that excites the entire Morocco and Africa.

Fans await what Regragui will unveil, hoping for a cohesive team capable of restoring Morocco's football glory and reaching the continental championship.

With the window set to shape the CAN roster, the Atlas Lions enter the next weeks with a mix of caution and anticipation.

Punchline 1: If injuries had a GPS, they’d always reroute to Morocco’s locker room.

Punchline 2: If this squad drama were a movie, the trailer already dropped—spoiler: it’s full of surprises and the ball still finds the back of the net.