Morocco have called up Ilias Akhomach during their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, although the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) has given no reason for the late change.
The winger joined the squad on Tuesday, despite the group already having assembled at the Mohammed VI Complex. Morocco face Gabon in Rabat on Friday, 25 September, before travelling to Bloemfontein to play Lesotho four days later.
No player withdrawal was announced alongside Akhomach’s arrival, leaving the timing of the decision open to question.
Akhomach, 22, has returned to the Lions of the Atlas after last featuring for the national team at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. Under former manager Walid Regragui, the Villarreal winger had become one of the main attacking alternatives to Brahim Diaz.
However, Mohamed Ouahbi’s appointment after the tournament changed Akhomach’s position in the pecking order. The new manager selected Gessime Yassine ahead of him, having previously worked with the player at youth level, and Akhomach was left out of subsequent squads.
His recent form has nevertheless strengthened his case for a recall. Akhomach returned to Villarreal this season after spending the previous campaign on loan at Rayo Vallecano. He has played in each of the club’s first six matches and provided two assists in his two most recent appearances.
That form has offered Ouahbi a reminder that Akhomach remains a credible option on the wings.
Link to Brahim Diaz remains unconfirmed
The FRMF did not mention any injury when announcing the call-up. However, Spanish newspaper AS reported on Tuesday that Brahim Diaz had been affected by physical problems.
The Real Madrid player is reported to have played his latest matches while carrying pain and may require a period of rest. There is no official confirmation that his situation is connected to Akhomach’s inclusion, but the two players operate in a similar area of the pitch and the timing has encouraged that interpretation.
The possible link is particularly notable because of an incident involving the pair last season. Shortly after the Africa Cup of Nations, Akhomach, then at Rayo Vallecano, clashed with Diaz during a match against Real Madrid.
The two Morocco internationals were seen going head-to-head, creating an uncomfortable image of the post-tournament atmosphere within the national-team camp. Months later, Akhomach could now be returning to provide cover for the player with whom he had that confrontation.
The episode is now in the past, while Akhomach’s situation within the squad has also changed. This is his first call-up since Ouahbi took charge, ending speculation about an alleged “boycott” of international football.
He now has an opportunity to re-establish himself. With Yassine firmly involved in the manager’s plans and competition for wide positions intense, the former Barcelona player may need to make more than a brief impression during this international window.