A cruel Deja Vu: Morocco loses defensive bedrock right before facing Brazil

Africa Today at 17:40

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

13.06.26 18:00 World Cup

Brazil

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Morocco

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Morocco officially ruled Abde Ezzalzouli & Nayef Aguerd out of the 2026 World Cup today citing severe injuries ahead of their Brazil clash.

According to the official statement released by the Moroccan Football Federation, the medical staff conducted rigorous examinations following a bruising preparation match against Norway. The final diagnosis for Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli is severe, he suffered a sprained right knee accompanied by a torn medial collateral ligament.

This complex injury requires extensive rehabilitation, completely ending his tournament dreams before a single ball is kicked in Group C.

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A race against time lost

The federation also delivered a bitter update regarding defensive anchor Nayef Aguerd. While the center back showed significant physical improvement following an intensive recovery program, the medical team concluded he simply lacks the ultimate match fitness required for elite international competition.

Consequently head coach Mohamed Ouahbi was forced to make immediate tactical adjustments to safeguard the squad's defensive integrity.

Fresh faces join the ranks

To patch the massive holes in the 26 man roster, Ouahbi has officially called up Amine Sbaï & Marwane Saâdane. Both players actively participated in the squad's final training camp as reserves demonstrating the exact tactical discipline and physical readiness required to step up.

They will immediately integrate into the starting rotation as Morocco navigates a grueling bracket featuring Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

The federation publicly backed the injured duo confirming they will remain closely tied to the squad's camp to provide crucial moral support.

A cruel case of Deja Vu

For Nayef Aguerd, this withdrawal is a tragically familiar narrative. During Morocco's historic, barrier-breaking run to World Cup 2022 semi finals in Qatar, Aguerd was the absolute bedrock of the defense.

However, a severe thigh injury sustained against Spain brutally sidelined him for the monumental quarter final against Portugal and the historic semi final clash against France.

While the Atlas Lions miraculously defied the odds with their backup defenders four years ago losing their defensive general just hours before facing a lethal Brazilian attack today presents an incredibly daunting psychological hurdle for Ouahbi's men.

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