Ali Maamar has made a promising start to life with Morocco’s senior team, but his two appearances have not yet done enough to alter the established order at right-back.
The 21-year-old was handed his opportunity by Mohamed Ouahbi, who knows him well from the Morocco Under-20 side he helped guide to the 2025 World Cup title. Maamar’s promotion was therefore based on a close assessment of his progress rather than a sudden gamble.
With Achraf Hakimi suspended, the Anderlecht defender started Morocco’s 2-0 win against Gabon. He was then selected again for the friendly against Mali, which ended 1-1.
His elevation to the senior squad had been building before Ouahbi’s arrival. Maamar had begun to establish himself at club level and was included around the senior group ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Gabon match was a solid first test. Maamar defended with discipline, worked hard and avoided looking overawed. As the game progressed, he appeared increasingly comfortable in the role.
The challenge was greater against Mali. Maamar continued to make frequent runs and offered an outlet down the right, but his attacking contribution was less significant. His forward movement also left more space behind him, an area Mali were able to target with greater threat in transition.
Those shortcomings do not undermine the decision to promote him. Maamar is playing regularly for Anderlecht, has gained meaningful experience in Belgium’s top flight and came through a demanding Under-20 World Cup campaign.
However, success at youth level is not the same as establishing yourself in a Morocco team now considered among the world’s best. The senior game demands more in terms of pace, physical strength and tactical discipline.
Maamar also faces particularly strong competition for a place. Hakimi remains the first choice when available, while Noussair Mazraoui can operate on the right. Zakaria El Ouahdi has already become part of the rotation, and Omar El Hilali is also pushing for more opportunities.
The list does not end there. Adam Bakoune has recently joined the Morocco set-up, adding further depth to an already crowded position.
For Maamar, being reliable will not be enough to secure a place in future squads. He must offer more in the final third while improving his management of the spaces left behind him when he attacks.
Ouahbi’s decision to give him immediate responsibility has accelerated his development. The potential is clear, but two starts do not yet make Maamar Hakimi’s official deputy.
His prospects will now depend on his performances for Anderlecht, Hakimi’s return and the outcome of one of the most competitive positions in the Morocco squad.