Morocco to Test New Line-Up Against Benin in Friendly Clash
As we head into tonight’s friendly match between Morocco and Benin at the Grand Stadium of Fès, all eyes are on national coach Walid Regragui and the changes he’s expected to make to the starting eleven. Coming off a hard-fought win against Tunisia last Friday, the Lions of the Atlas are shifting gears—and this match is shaping up to be more than just a warm-up.
Regragui is clearly focused on squad rotation. His approach suggests a thoughtful balance between protecting key players and giving fresh faces a real shot at proving their worth. The most notable shift is likely to be in the attacking line. Youssef En-Nesyri, who led the charge in the previous match, might make way for either Ayoub El Kaabi or Sofiane Rahimi, both of whom have been waiting in the wings for their moment to shine. This is a tactical move not just to test options, but to ensure En-Nesyri gets the rest he needs after a long and physically taxing season.
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In defense, Regragui seems ready to reshuffle the flanks as well. Zakaria Ouahdi of Belgian side Genk is expected to start on the left, replacing Raja Casablanca's Youssef Bela'smrî. On the right, we might see Omar El Hilali come in for Achraf Hakimi, whose club obligations with Paris Saint-Germain and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup justify some well-earned rest.
The changes don’t stop there. The central defense could also be revamped after the pairing of Jawad Yamiq and Adam Masina in the Tunisia match. Whether this will involve new call-ups or giving more minutes to bench players, it’s clear that Regragui is preparing his team with depth and adaptability in mind.
In his post-match press conference after the Tunisia game, Regragui emphasized the importance of managing player workloads and spreading opportunities across the squad. Injuries are piling up at this stage of the season, and he's keen on minimizing the risk of fatigue ahead of more critical competitions.
So tonight’s fixture is more than just a friendly—it’s a strategic test. For the fringe players, it’s a golden opportunity to break into the core group. For the regulars, it’s a necessary breather. And for Regragui, it’s a chance to evaluate, refine, and reinforce his tactical vision for Morocco’s future.
Let’s see what the new-look Lions bring to the pitch against Benin. The experiment starts now.
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