The Morocco national team, Atlas Lions, arrived at JKIA early this morning ahead of the 2024 CHAN tournament, which kicks off on Saturday. Drawn in Group A alongside hosts Kenya, Zambia, DR Congo, and Angola, Morocco enters the competition as one of the tournament’s powerhouses.

Morocco made history by becoming the first nation to win back-to-back CHAN titles in 2018 and 2020. They also became the first host country to lift the trophy when they triumphed on home soil in 2018. After missing out on the 2022 edition in Algeria due to diplomatic tensions, the Atlas Lions return with unfinished business , hoping to reclaim the trophy they lost to Senegal.

The North Africans did not participate in the inaugural 2009 edition, but showed their intent in subsequent tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals in 2011 and 2014. Although they failed to qualify in 2016, they roared back with style by demolishing Nigeria 4–0 in the 2018 final. Their 2–0 win over Mali in the 2020 final cemented their place as a CHAN powerhouse.

The 2024 squad, led by head coach Tarik Sektioui, consists entirely of players from the domestic Botola Pro League.

Official Squad

Goalkeepers:

Al Harrar Elmehdi (FUS Rabat), Rachid Ghanimi (FUS Rabat), Aqzdaou Omar (Wydad Casablanca)

Defenders:

Moufid Mohamed (Wydad Casablanca), Boulacsout Mohamed (Maghreb Fès), Mchakhchekh Mehdi (Olympique Safi), Louadni Marouane (AS FAR), Arrassi Bouchaib (Moghreb Tétouan), Assal Abdelhak (RS Berkane), Belammari Youssef (Raja Casablanca), Zahouani Fouad (Chabab Mohammedia)

Midfielders:

Khairi Ayoub (RS Berkane), Hrimat Mohamed Rabie (AS FAR), Souane Amine (Hassania Agadir), Essadak Houssam (Maghreb Fès), Hajji Reda (RS Berkane), Bach Anas (Wydad Fès), Aït Ouarkhane Khalid (Renaissance Zemamra), Bougrine Sabir (Wydad Casablanca)

Strikers:

Mehri Youssef (RS Berkane), El Mahraoui Anass (Wydad Casablanca), Bouhra Saif-Eddine (Wydad Casablanca), Baba Khalid (AS FAR), Riahi Imad (RS Berkane), Salaheddine Errahouli (MAS Fès), Mouloua Ayoub (Olympique Safi), El Kaabi Youness (Chabab Mohammedia), Lamlioui Oussama (RS Berkane)

Star Watch:

• Ayoub Khairi (RS Berkane) – One of the most complete midfielders in the league. Though primarily a defensive player, he managed to score six goals and register one assist, showcasing his box-to-box ability and timing of forward runs. He was instrumental in Berkane’s title winning and CAF Confederation Cup success.

• Oussama Lamlioui (RS Berkane) – led his club’s scoring charts with ten league goals. His movement and clinical finishing made him one of the most reliable forwards in Morocco’s top flight and a central figure in Berkane’s title-winning campaign.

• Youssef Mehri (RS Berkane) – complemented Lamlioui up front, netting five goals and consistently threatening defences both in and outside the box.

• Imad Riahi (RS Berkane) – was the creative heartbeat of the team, finishing the season with four assists. His vision and ability to unlock tight defences added valuable attacking depth to Berkane’s squad.

• Anass El Mahraoui (Wydad Casablanca)- Enjoyed a fruitful season, scoring around ten goals across competitions. His pace, directness, and ability to stretch defences made him a key asset in Wydad’s attacking setup.

Fixtures:

3rd August: Angola vs Morocco (Nyayo National Stadium)

10th August: Kenya vs Morocco (Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani)

14th August: Zambia vs Morocco (Nyayo Stadium)

17th August: DRC vs Morocco (Nyayo National Stadium).

With a well-balanced squad, exceptional form from RS Berkane players, and a proud CHAN record, Morocco enters the tournament as a serious contender. Despite sitting out the 2022 edition, their back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2020 are still fresh reminders of their pedigree. The Atlas Lions are back and they want their crown.