Morocco, Senegal and Ivory Coast turn to new faces for CAN 2027 qualifying

The first international window of the 2026-27 season will give five African players the chance to make their senior international debuts after being included in their national squads.

The selections reflect a blend of continuity and renewal, with coaches rewarding strong club form while preparing for the opening rounds of the CAN 2027 qualifiers.

Abdellah Ouazane – Morocco

Abdellah Ouazane has emerged as one of the early-season standouts in Ajax Amsterdam’s youth teams and has attracted the attention of Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has already made an impact with the first team, recording one goal and three assists. His creativity between the lines offers Morocco an additional option when opponents defend in deep, compact formations.

Ouahbi is expected to assess Ouazane during the two qualifying matches against Gabon and Lesotho, with the teenager potentially receiving his first minutes for the Lions of the Atlas.

Alaa Bellaarouch – Morocco

Alaa Bellaarouch’s consistency has earned him a first call-up after he established himself as the number one goalkeeper at FC Dinamo in Romania.

The Moroccan has kept three clean sheets at the start of the current league campaign, performances which have persuaded Ouahbi to consider him the latest challenger in the national team’s goalkeeping hierarchy.

Bellaarouch’s work on his line and confidence with the ball at his feet provide Morocco with a reliable alternative. His debut could come in the second match of the international break, when he may be given the opportunity to compete with Yassine Bounou.

Malang Sarr – Senegal

At 27, Malang Sarr is finally set to represent Senegal after completing his change of sporting nationality and joining the Lions of Teranga.

The defender had become an important figure at RC Lens in recent seasons and has also quickly established himself as an undisputed starter with his new club in Saudi Arabia. His form has convinced newly appointed Senegal coach Patrick Vieira to include him as he looks to strengthen the defence.

Sarr’s ability to operate either centrally or at left-back gives Vieira useful tactical flexibility. He could make his first appearance in either of Senegal’s fixtures during the window, against Mozambique or Ethiopia.

Malick Yalcouye – Ivory Coast

Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouye is one of the biggest surprises in new Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard’s squad.

The 20-year-old has made a convincing start to the season in England, scoring two goals and covering significant ground in midfield. Renard is looking to use Yalcouye’s energy and ability to win possession to improve the Elephants’ transitions into attack.

His first appearance could come in the opening match of the break against Ghana, potentially from the bench in a role as an impact substitute.

Patrick Zabi – Ivory Coast

Patrick Zabi’s summer move to Paris FC represents the next step in his career, although his opening weeks with PFC have been relatively quiet.

Renard has nevertheless rewarded the 19-year-old for the outstanding form he produced at Reims in recent seasons. The midfielder is expected to add speed and direct running to the Ivorian midfield.

Zabi’s dribbling can unsettle defences, but competition for places will be strong. His ability to influence games as a substitute could prove valuable in the Elephants’ two opening CAN 2027 qualifying matches.