Morocco’s Maamma must wait as Zabiri steps up to senior squad

Othmane Maamma has been named in Morocco’s Under-23 squad for upcoming friendlies against Mali and Tanzania, meaning the Watford forward will have to wait for his first senior call-up.

The 20-year-old had been widely tipped to join Yassir Zabiri in the Morocco senior squad after the pair played key roles in the country’s Under-20 World Cup triumph. However, Maamma was absent from Mohamed Ouahbi’s first squad since the World Cup, announced on Thursday.

His inclusion in the Under-23 group, selected by Jamel Ait Ben Idir, confirms that he remains part of the Olympic set-up for now.

The decision contrasts with Zabiri’s rapid progress. The two forwards were among Morocco’s leading performers during their Under-20 World Cup success, but Zabiri’s impressive start to the season in Spain has earned him a first call-up to the senior side this week.

Maamma has featured in every Watford match since the start of the season in the Championship, although he is yet to register a goal or an assist.

Remaining with the Under-23s does not rule out a future senior selection. It gives Maamma an opportunity to gain further international experience and playing time before attempting to make the next step.

The squad also includes several other players with international attention around them. Amir Bouhamdi, the young PSV Eindhoven winger, has been selected after attracting interest from more than one national set-up.

Kays Houdoussi Barry is another notable inclusion. The Anderlecht defender is the son of former Ivory Coast goalkeeper Copa Barry. A former Belgium Under-19 international, he is also eligible to represent Cote d’Ivoire and has been called up by Morocco for the first time, underlining his growing links with his mother’s country.

Belgium-based players make up a significant part of the squad, with Elyess Dao of Anderlecht, Yassine Khalifi of Charleroi, Reda Laalaoui of Westerlo and Anas Tajaouart of RAAL La Louviere also included.

The selection reflects the breadth of Morocco’s Under-23 options overseas. Players from Ajax, PSV, Cambuur and Den Bosch in the Netherlands, Monza in Italy, Alaves and Elche in Spain, and Guimaraes in Portugal are also part of the group.

For Maamma, the immediate message is one of patience. Zabiri has already secured his opportunity with Ouahbi’s senior team, while his former Under-20 team-mate must continue to impress before joining him at the highest level.