Galatasaray forward Hakim Ziyech has been left out of Morocco’s squad for their final 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to fitness concerns.The Atlas Lions, who will host the tournament, face Gabon on November 15 before meeting Lesotho three days later, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi set to captain the side.Manager Walid Regragui has been boosted by the return of several key players, with both Brahim Diaz and Noussair Mazraoui back in the squad after recovering from their respective injuries.##NAJAVA_MECA_8486581##The squad announcement also sees defender Adam Masina and full-back Yahya Attiat Allah making their returns to the national team setup, though veteran centre-back Romain Saiss is a notable absentee alongside Ziyech.Despite being initially tipped for inclusion, Ziyech’s omission comes as he continues his recovery from injury, with the technical staff deeming him not yet ready for international duty.Kenyan referee selected for CAF Women’s Champions League dutiesThe squad maintains its core strength with the inclusion of several established internationals.Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, and striker Youssef En-Nesyri all retain their places in the team.The Atlas Lions will gather for their first training session ahead of the Gabon fixture, which will be played on 15 November , before facing Lesotho in their final qualifier on November 18.CAF eyes major expansion for women’s Champions LeagueAs tournament hosts, Morocco have already secured their place at AFCON 2025, but these qualifiers represent important preparation as they look to build momentum ahead of the continental showpiece on home soil.Squad:Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir Mohamedi, Salaheddine Chihab, Ayoub El KhayatiDefenders: Achraf Hakimi (captain), Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd, Abdelkabir Abqar, Jamal Harkass, Adam Masina, Adam Aznou, Yahya Attiat AllahMidfielders: Bilal El Khannouss, Amir Richardson, Ismael Saibari, Sofyan Amrabat, Oussama Targhalline, Eliesse ben Seghir, Azzedine OunahiForwards: Ilias Akhomach, Brahim Diaz, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Osame Sahraoui, Abde Ezzalzouli
