Morocco’s Golden Surge: Atlas Lions Light Up Europe Ahead of AFCON

Morocco’s Golden Wave on the European Scene

Morocco's national team is enjoying a surge, just under two months from the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off on home soil later this year. The Atlas Lions, regarded as frontrunners to lift the continental trophy, wrapped up last weekend with strong displays and striking form across European leagues, reaffirming their readiness and determination to carry Africa's banner.

The good news for coach Walid Regragui extends beyond the star power of his players. It also stretches to a widening competition for starting spots, turning selection into a luxury problem before the November squad announcement. Two friendly matches scheduled in Morocco will test the depth and resolve of the squad this autumn.

The Moroccan federation did not miss the moment, congratulating its professionals on social media after a week filled with decisive goals and meaningful contributions to clubs' results.

Hakimi, exceptional

Starting with Achraf Hakimi, who continued to lead at his club Paris Saint-Germain, scoring twice in a win over Brest in Ligue 1, a result that returned the side to top after Marseille's defeat.

His coach, the Spanish strategist Louis Enrique, did not hesitate to praise him, saying: 'Achraf is the best right-back in the world today, and African Ballon d'Or gold would be his without a doubt.' Hakimi's season-long numbers underline the claim. Fans worldwide nodded in agreement.

Hakimi's numbers this season are stunning: ten league goals and thirty-nine goal contributions, for a defender. He told L'Equipe: 'I am proud of what I do, because these numbers come not from a striker, but from a defender who works tirelessly for the team daily.'

This shine is not new, as Hakimi provided the assist for the winning goal in Morocco's official match against Congo in qualifiers, confirming he is a cornerstone of Regragui's project.

The young lions: Siebari’s first hat-trick

In the Netherlands, Ismail Siebari stole the spotlight with a hat-trick guiding his Eindhoven side to a 3-2 victory over Feyenoord, with a late goal by Osama Terghalin for Feyenoord making it a Moroccan evening at the Dutch summit.

Notably, the match also featured another Moroccan goal by Osama Terghalin for Feyenoord, turning it into an evening.

Siebari has become the subject of Dutch press, described as 'the engine that never tires,' while Regragui regards him as one of most effective attacking midfielders. He scored the opening goal at Moulay Abdellah Stadium against Niger, cementing his growing role for the side.

From France as well, Hamza Egaman continues to turn heads at Lille, after scoring in a 6-0 win over Metz, lifting his tally to seven goals in ten games, matching the Nigerian Victor Osimene's historic mark with the same club seven years earlier.

Egaman didn't stop there, scoring twice midweek in the Europa Conference League against PAOK, becoming one of the most productive players in Europe's top five leagues in October.

Meanwhile, Ait Bodlal opened his tally for Rennes, finding the net against Nice, signaling a rising Moroccan generation with talent so bright it could light Stade Rennes.

On the other side, Sufyan Diop returned to form for Nice, scoring his fifth of the campaign against Rennes, boosting his chances of a recall to the national team.

Diop and Kaabi: The late-season finishers

In England, Shamsdine Talabi shone with Sunderland, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner over Chelsea at 90+3, his first for the club since moving from Bruges for a 30 million euro deal. The strike was a turning point in his career and the spread of Moroccans across Europe's top leagues.

As for Aziz Ounahi, he sent his own message to the coach. After an injury layoff, the Girona man returned as a substitute and struck a superb goal, earning two penalties and man-of-the-match honors.

Between Dream and the hard choice, the magic keeps piling up. Morocco's coach now faces a delicious dilemma: pick a list that can accommodate this galaxy of talent as AFCON approaches, or risk leaving a few stars on the bench while the competition roars around them.

As the final squad cuts loom, the Atlas Lions head into the AFCON window with peak confidence and a blueprint that blends seasoned veterans with a rising generation ready to claim a continental crown.

Punchline 1: If football were a chess game, Morocco would be playing four-dimensional chess—while sipping mint tea and asking the board for extra time. Punchline 2: My fantasy team just upgraded to Moroccan midfield—now even my goalkeeper is asking for an autograph before the whistle.