Morocco Aims for Redemption Against Benin: Key Lineup Changes and Predictions Ahead of Kickoff

Morocco’s national football team is set to return to the pitch this evening to face Benin in their second match of the international break. Following an underwhelming performance in their previous encounter against Tunisia, the Atlas Lions will be eager to showcase their capabilities and secure a convincing win.

The Significance of the Match

This seemingly friendly match comes with high stakes. With the draw for the 2026 World Cup approaching, head coach Walid Regragui is under pressure to refine his squad. A solid performance against Benin could boost Morocco’s FIFA ranking, crucial for favorable match-ups in the future.

Recent Performance Review

In their previous outing against Tunisia, Morocco secured a 2-0 victory. However, the match left much to be desired. The first half was flat, with noticeable inconsistencies from key players:

• Youssef En-Nesyri: Struggled to make an impact.
• Sofyan Amrabat: Failed to dictate the tempo of the game as expected.
• Bilal El Khannouss: Looked out of sync with his teammates.
• Ismael Saibari: His positioning on the wing proved to be a tactical misfire.

Expected Changes and Tactical Adjustments

Ahead of the match against Benin, fans are anticipating several changes in the lineup. Notably:

• Ayoub El Kaabi: Fresh off a strong scoring performance in the Greek league, he could be in line for a starting position.
• Soufiane Rahimi: After a promising showing off the bench, he might feature as a second supporting striker.
• Targhalline: Likely to start as a holding midfielder, aiming to solidify the team’s control in midfield.

Tactically, Morocco may shift to a more compact formation. A midfield trio of Targhalline, Azzedine Ounahi, and El Khannouss could offer greater stability, while providing options closer to the final third.

Defensive Strategies and Key Players

In defense, Adam Masina has made a strong case for his inclusion, expected to partner with Jawad Al Yamiq. The ever-reliable Achraf Hakimi will continue to serve as a critical figure on the right flank, while Youssef Belammari is poised to make his mark on the left.

In goal, Munir Mohamedi, fresh off his success in the Botola Pro and Confederation Cup, could take over from Yassine Bounou.

Predicted Lineup and Match Outlook

Possible Lineup:
Munir – Hakimi, El Yamiq, Masina, Belammari – Targhalline, Ounahi, El Khannouss – Rahimi, Ben Seghir, El Kaabi

Predicted Score: Morocco is expected to take the initiative and dominate possession. With Benin likely to adopt a defensive stance, if the Atlas Lions manage to score early, it could lead to a flurry of goals. Many predict a decisive win with scores like Morocco 3-0 Benin being favored.

Kick-off is slated for 9 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1), and fans can catch all the live action on Arryadia HD. With key modifications and tactical adjustments, the pressure is on Morocco to return to winning form against Benin and reaffirm their place as a formidable team in African football.