With their two back-to-back fixtures with Zimbabwe in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification cancelled owing to the international suspension of Zimbabwe, Morocco are focusing on two high profile international matches with Brazil and Peru.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Friday announced its squad list for the friendly game against Morocco on March 25. However, Neymar is a glarring absentee.
The Selecao’s team will include three goalkeepers, most notably Manchester City’s Ederson. Liverpool’s Allison Becker is absent from the selection, but Athletico Paranaense’s Mycael and Palmeiras’ Weverton will be the backup keepers.
The most notable names in the squad’s defense include Real Madrid’s Eder Militao, Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos, and Tottenham Hotspurs’ Emerson Royal.
In the midfield, Manchester United’s Casemiro stars alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes and West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá.
Brazil’s forward line for the friendly is notably missing megastar Neymar Jr., but still includes Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr., who will be joined by Premier League stars in Manchester United’s Antony and Tottenham’s Richarlison.
The squad includes nine players who are representing their country for the first time, the CBF said.
The team was selected by Ramon Menezes, who is the national team’s current interim coach until the CBF finds a permanent replacement for Tite, who stepped down after the World Cup.
Brazil’s national team is set to visit the Tangier Grand Stadium on March 25 to play a friendly game against the Atlas Lions.
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues described Morocco as “a strong opponent,” recalling the team’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“It will certainly be a game that will awaken the interest of Brazilian fans,” he said.
Morocco will also play Peru’s national team in another friendly on March 28 at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.