Despite many Moroccans holding their breath for a potential call-up for young FC Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal to the Moroccan squad for the September international break, he was nowhere to be seen in Walid Regragui’s list, announced on Thursday.
As the press conference was postponed from its initial date of Tuesday, many fans speculated that this could be because of consultations and meetings to convince the wonderkid to represent Morocco instead of Spain.
Regragui, however, refuted the news saying that the conference was postponed to the anniversary of his announcement as head coach on August 31, 2022.
Yamal, who plays as a winger for La Liga club FC Barcelona, has been mesmerizing the world with spectacular and eye-catching performances in the top-flight league.
Yamal’s saga between Spain and Morocco continues, with both countries eager to secure the talented player’s services.
Regragui confirmed today that he met with Yamal, stressing that it would “be amazing” to see the player choosing to represent Morocco.
Recalling ongoing efforts to convince him to choose the North African country, Regragui emphasized that everyone is still awaiting what the player’s decision will be.
“The essential thing is that the player as well as his father are Moroccans. No need to put pressure on the player and his decisions,” Regragui said. “We will not get ahead of events. We will see tomorrow what his choice will be.”
On Thursday, the head coach uncovered the lineup for the two upcoming games that Morocco’s Atlas Lions are playing in the month of September.
The first game will be against Liberia on September 9 at the Grand Stadium of Agadir as part of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Morocco is also playing a friendly game on September 12 against Burkina Faso.
Regragui’s lineup for both games includes several experienced key footballers as well as new faces.
Some of the usual names called up for the matches include Yassine Bounou, Nayef Agured, Ghanem Saiss, Jwad El Yamiq as well as Noussair MAzraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, and Azzedine Ounahi.
The full list is as follows:
