New Blood for the Lions' Attack: Bekraoui Shines Under the Watchful Eyes of Mohamed Wahbi
Exclusive - Moroccan Sports
Date: April 13, 2026
As the technical staff of the Moroccan national team searches for effective solutions to end the "offensive drought" and secure a strategic alternative to clinical finisher Ayoub El Kaabi, young talent Yanis Bekraoui, the Estoril Praia striker, stole the spotlight during a thrilling night of football. This match was far from ordinary; it took place under the direct observation of the newly appointed member of the "Lions" coaching staff, Mohamed Wahbi.
Bekraoui at the "Dragão": How a True No. 9 is Made
Bekraoui did more than just participate in his team's clash against the Portuguese giant, FC Porto; he delivered a technical masterclass, proving he possesses the "DNA" of a pure striker that the national team has been missing. Currently ranked third among the top scorers in the Portuguese league, Bekraoui scored a goal that showcased his high "spatial awareness." Receiving the ball with his back to the goal, he turned in a tight space and unleashed a rocket into the net before the defenders could even react.
This brilliance did not go unnoticed. Cameras captured Mohamed Wahbi in the heart of the stadium, a clear message that the Moroccan "radar" has picked up Bekraoui's signals of peak readiness. He is now making a strong case for the upcoming training camp, especially with his staggering numbers this season: 19 goals in 31 matches.
Bilal El Khannouss.. The Registered Trademark in the Bundesliga
In Germany, the young "maestro" Bilal El Khannouss continued his solo symphony with VfB Stuttgart. Facing Hamburg, El Khannouss contributed to his team's emphatic 4-0 victory, scoring a goal in his signature style: a low, creeping shot that is a nightmare for goalkeepers. Although the ball deflected off a defender before going in, El Khannouss's intelligent positioning confirms he has become an indispensable pillar in the national team's midfield.
Sofiane Boufal and Mohamed Salah: The Skill vs. Efficiency Debate
Away from the goals, Sofiane Boufal sparked a wave of admiration after a "legendary" piece of skill with his club, Le Havre, against Nice, where he toyed with the opposition's defenders with dribbles reminiscent of his glory days.
However, this brilliance reopened an old technical debate: Why doesn't Boufal play for top-tier clubs? The comparison here is drawn with Egyptian star Mohamed Salah. While Boufal possesses the skill that entertains the spectator, Salah possesses "efficiency," speed, and clinical finishing. Modern-day coaches prefer "productivity" over "showboating," which remains the challenge for Boufal to reclaim his status as an influential player who provides more than just artistic touches.
"Terrifying" Admissions from Edouard Mendy
In a related context, world-class Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made historic statements regarding his experience in the AFCON final against Morocco. Mendy emphasized that he has never seen in his life—even in European stadiums—crowd pressure like that exerted by the Moroccans. He stated: "The atmosphere was insane; I kept hearing the voices of the Moroccan fans in my head for two days after the match." This admission reinforces the status of the Moroccan public as the "Player No. 1" and the primary supporter of the Kingdom's football project.
The Bottom Line
Between Bekraoui's brilliance in Portugal, El Khannouss's composure in Germany, and opponents' admissions of the Lions' strength, the Moroccan national team seems to be moving steadily toward the 2026 World Cup. As the next training camp approaches, the question remains: Will Yanis Bekraoui be the final solution to the Moroccan center-forward puzzle? Current data says yes; the new blood is ready to flow through the veins of the "Lions."