AFCON 2023: Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Hakim Ziyech Headline Morocco’s 27 Man Squad

• Morocco's squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations is set
• Achraf Hakimi and Sofyan Arambat headline the 27-man squad for the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists
• Morocco last won AFCON in 1976 and will be under pressure to perform next month

2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco have named the final 27-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Achraf Hakimi and Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat headline the squad named by coach Walid Regragui.

Morocco are one of the favourites to win the 34th edition of AFCON, and most of the squad that reached the semifinals of the World Cup last year are in the squad.

Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui, West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd, 2022 World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi, Youssef En-Nesyri and Hakim Ziyech make the squad.

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This is the core that spearheaded Morocco's historic run at the World Cup in Qatar last year and will look to finally end their AFCON trophy drought. Morocco are in Group F alongside DR Congo, Zambia and Tanzania.

The North Africans last won AFCON in 1976. They reached the final in 2004 where they lost to Tunisia.

The 34th edition of the tournament will be held between 13 January to 11 February 2024 in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro, and Korhogo, Cote d'Ivoire.

Morocco's historic World Cup

The Atlas Lions made the continent of Africa proud with their legendary run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Youssef En-Nesyri's goal in the quarter-final against Portugal gave Morocco a massive win which sealed a place in the semi-final. Before that, no African team had gone past the quarter-final stage.

Before reaching the semis, they stunned 2010 World Cup winners Spain in the Round of 16. Morocco opened the door for many African teams and most will see the final as the next step.

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Morocco with the most to prove at AFCON

Sports Brief earlier reported on Morocco making the list of African national teams with the most to prove in Cote d'Ivoire.

Despite having some of the best African talent over the years, the North Africans have struggled to make a mark in Africa's biggest football tournament.

Ghana and Nigeria are the other teams that will be expected to go all the way since they have produced some of Africa's best players.