Walid Regragui to test a new defensive option against Tunisia

Morocco's head coach, Walid Regragui, is set to experiment with a fresh defensive option during the upcoming international break.

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The “Atlas Lions” will be facing Benin and Tunisia as part of their preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), to be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

According to the Moroccan newspaper Al Mountakhab, the former Wydad coach will give Bologna midfielder Oussama El Azzouzi a chance in an unprecedented role as a central defender.

At 23, the former youth international for the Netherlands is coming off a challenging season in Italy, having featured in just three matches for a total playing time of less than 25 minutes.

Oussama El Azzouzi’s record with Morocco

The Veenendaal native switched his sporting nationality from Dutch to Moroccan in 2023. He has appeared in five matches for the Atlas Lions but has yet to find the back of the net.

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.