In a proactive move to bolster the Moroccan national team, coach Walid Regragui has decided to call up Youssef Belamri from the reserve list to immediately join the Atlas Lions' training camp. This urgent decision comes as a precaution in anticipation of the potential absence of veteran defender Romain Saïss, who suffered a worrying injury during the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which pitted Morocco against Comoros on Sunday.
Details of the night of victory and anxiety in Rabat
The Moroccan fans experienced a night of mixed emotions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. While joy prevailed after achieving the first victory in the continental tournament thanks to goals from stars Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half, concern gripped everyone after captain Romain Saïss left the field in tears in the 19th minute. Regragui was forced to make an early substitution, bringing on defender Jawad El Yamiq to replace Saïss, in a match played under heavy rain that made the task even more difficult.
The leader's sacrifice and the extent of the injury
In his first comments after the match, Romain Saïss, who plays for Al Sadd in Qatar, displayed great leadership and selflessness for the national team. Saïss stated, "I felt a slight pain in my knee. I don't think it's a cruciate ligament injury, but I preferred to leave early to avoid any risk. We needed every player to be fully fit early in the match." He added emotionally, "I will undergo tests, and I hope it's nothing serious. If I were told I wouldn't finish the tournament and that we would win it, I would accept without hesitation.".
Youssef Belamri: The alternative solution and the background to the transfer
Press reports from the national team camp indicate that Youcef Belamri joined the group training session on Monday, pending final approval from the medical and technical staff regarding his official registration in the starting lineup as a replacement for Saïss. Belamri's call-up comes at a time when he is under intense scrutiny, as his name has recently been linked to a move to Egyptian club Al Ahly, with reports confirming that an agreement between the two parties has been reached. This puts him under close observation to assess his performance should he feature in the squad.
Challenges of organizing the Africa Cup of Nations and ambitions after the World Cup
This event carries immense significance, extending far beyond a mere player injury. Morocco, as the host nation for the 2025 edition, is under immense pressure to secure the continental title that has eluded them for decades, especially after their historic achievement at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the semi-finals. The readiness of the defense, spearheaded by the experience of Saïss, is a cornerstone of Regragui's plans to win the cup. Therefore, any significant absence in this position could disrupt the team's tactical approach, making the integration of substitutes like Belamri or relying solely on El Yamiq a true test of the Moroccan squad's depth in this crucial tournament.
