Morocco starting XI vs Canada Revealed: Ziyech and Hakimi start, Bounou returns

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Hakimi Ziyech Morocco
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Going into this game, the North Africans are buoyed by their convincing performance against Belgium last time out

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has named his starting XI to face Canada in a World Cup Group F match on Thursday.

After a draw against Croatia and victory over Belgium, Morocco now turn their guns on Canada, who are already eliminated from the competition.

The North Africans are yet to concede, as their defensive unit has remained well-drilled and solid enough to keep rivals at bay.

How Morocco are lining up against Canada:

  1. Yassine Bounou
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    Yassine Bounou

    Despite being named in the starting XI, the Sevilla goalkeeper did not feature against Belgium.

    His withdrawal paved the way for Munir Mohamedi, but against Canada, Bounou is fit to take charge of the goalkeeping duties.

  2. Romain Saiss
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    Romain Saiss

    Saiss was a dominant defensive figure for the African side, and against Belgium, he won aerial duels and commanded the backline effectively.

    He gave Kevin De Bruyne no attacking chance at all as Morocco went on to cause another World Cup upset against the high-ranking Uefa nation.

    Much is expected from him as they tackle Canada.

  3. Nayef Aguerd
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    Nayef Aguerd

    Aguerd and Saiss’ pairing at the centre of Morocco’s defense has remained intact, as they have yet to concede.

    Aguerd was at ease as he faced De Bruyne and the Belgian attacking firepower. Against Canada, he is expected to be on top of his game again.

  4. Noussair Mazraoui
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    Noussair Mazraoui

    With growing confidence in the defensive unit, Regragui has not tinkered with his backline, meaning that Mazraoui will operate at left-back.

  5. Achraf Hakimi
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    Achraf Hakimi

    He was on top of his game before he was substituted in the 68th minute of Morocco’s previous game.

    The PSG fullback – who is always involved in the attacking mission when the situation demands - keeps his place as the Atlas Lions conclude group stage assignments.

  6. Sofyan Amrabat
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    Sofyan Amrabat

    Amrabat has been effective in covering the back four so far.

    Another start gives him an opportunity to stamp his authority in the middle of the pack as Morocco fight to earn a place in the Round of 16.

  7. Azzedine Ounahi
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    Azzedine Ounahi

    Ounahi came out on top against Amadou Onana and other Belgian stars in the midfield battle.

    His ability to read the game well and frustrate the opponents will again come in handy against their eliminated preliminary opponents.

  8. Abdelhamid Sabiri
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    Abdelhamid Sabiri

    His introduction in the second half added urgency to Morocco’s attacking department.

    With his top performance against Belgium, he has been rewarded with a start this time around.

  9. Hakim Ziyech
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    Hakim Ziyech

    Ziyech’s creativity, speed, and ability to deliver dangerous balls into the penalty box played critical roles in the win over Belgium.

    Inspiring the Atlas Lions to a second straight victory in Qatar should be his ultimate dream.

  10. Sofiane Boufal
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    Sofiane Boufal

    Against both Croatia and Belgium, Boufal was a constant threat along the left flank.

    He is expected to be massively involved in the goal-searching mission as the North Africans hope to wind up the group stage on a high note.

  11. Youssef En-Nesyri
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    Youssef En-Nesyri

    The centre-forward is yet to score in the competition but manages to keep his place in the starting XI.