Morocco's Fateful Call: Will Ben Sharqi Stay for the Arab Cup After the Oman Clash?

Status of Ben Sharqi in the Arab Cup squad

Tarik Sektoui, the head coach of Morocco’s domestically-based team competing in the Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar, said the decision on whether to keep winger Ashraf Ben Sharqi in the squad has not been made yet.

He explained on a TV interview that the final call will be taken after the upcoming Oman match on Friday.

Sektoui noted that Ben Sharqi will miss the opener against Comoros after arriving with a hamstring issue sustained in his last game for Al Ahly of Egypt.

Oman clash could decide his fate

The coach added that Ben Sharqi would not be available for the Oman game, describing it as another significant absence alongside Youssef El Mehri of RS Berkane, whom they replaced with another player.

He further stated: “The decision will clearly come after the Oman match, based on the tests that will determine his full status. Our preparations have not served us well. Comoros have trained together for two weeks, while our players joined up late after nine of them featured for their clubs in African competitions. We are not making excuses, but it is the truth we are trying to overcome.”

The Moroccan coach concluded that the Comoros match will be tough despite the familiar names and experience, adding that “these kinds of matches are decided by small details and a few nuances we will try to adapt for Morocco.”

Morocco starts Group B alongside Saudi Arabia, Comoros, and Oman; the Arab Cup runs in Doha from December 1 to 18.

Punchline time: if Ben Sharqi’s status stays murky, the team might discover a new strategy—call it “the hamstring wall.” And if he plays, well, expect more drama than a late equalizer with extra time. Sniper joke #1: Why did the footballer bring string to the match? To tie up the game’s loose ends. Sniper joke #2: My fantasy team asked for medical insurance after this preview – apparently the real injury is the suspense."