CAN 2025: The three major absentees from Morocco's squad

Morocco's head coach, Walid Regragui, has unveiled his list of 28 players called up for the Africa Cup of Nations – CAN 2025.

As the host nation, Morocco will compete in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.

Here are the three big names missing from the Atlas Lions’ squad:

Hakim Ziyech

Back home after signing with Wydad Casablanca, Hakim Ziyech is still undergoing rehabilitation following several months out of action.

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A bold but logical decision, with Regragui opting for more in-form attacking options such as Brahim Diaz, Ayoub El Kaabi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Soufiane Rahimi, Ilias Akhomach, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Chemsdine Talbi.

Sofiane Diop

Although he was present at the last training camp, the Nice midfielder won't be part of the tournament. He did, however, earn his first cap for the Atlas Lions on November 18th against Uganda.

Sofiane Boufal

Having returned to Europe in hopes of playing at the CAN, the Union Saint-Gilloise striker will be watching the tournament from his television. He hasn’t done enough to convince the technical staff to call him up, despite having often been a key player in recent tournaments for the Atlas Lions.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations