Fortune didn’t favour Morocco at the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. In Croatia and Belgium, they were grouped with the runners-up and bronze medallists at Russia 2018, while in Canada they will face the team who finished top in Concacaf qualifying. There is, however, reason for Moroccan optimism. The best of their previous five World Cup campaigns came at Mexico 1986, when they finished first in a tough pool also comprising England, Poland and Portugal to reach the Round of 16. And Atlas Lions fans believe a crop of exciting youngsters at Vahid Halilhodzic’s disposal can help them do the same in Qatar. We take a look at five of their finest.

Azzedine Ounahi’s stock is certainly high right now, after he sent the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca into raptures with a brace against Congo DR to seal Morocco’s place at this year’s World Cup. The Casablanca native, who is currently on the books of French club Angers, has such ability that Halilhodzic simply had to have him in his squad for the recent CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Ounahi is difficult to dispossess and a real threat with his precision passing in the final third. Add to that his talent for shooting from distance, and it is easy to see why so much hope has been pinned on him for Qatar.

Ezzalzouli is among the most prominent Moroccan youngsters expected make a name for themselves at the finals. The up-and-coming Barcelona player is yet to officially debut for the Atlas Lions, but made the squad for the two-legged play-off last month. A raw talent, Ezzalzouli is known for his speed on the wing and ability to get past opponents. He is also physically strong and works equally well on either flank. If he continues to build on his promising early form with the Catalan club, then he will surely become a key member of the national squad.

A defender on Barcelona’s books, Chadi Riad is one of the most promising young defenders based in Europe. With notable physical capabilities and ever-improving skills, there is every reason to think he could be ready for Qatar 2022. Riad played in the junior categories of the national team and is eagerly awaiting his chance with the senior side. And while Morocco’s rearguard looks safe with Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd, he could give Halilhodzic another option for Qatar.

Imran Louza has quickly established himself as a key member of Vahid Halilhodzic’s squad. In fact, the Bosnian knows the player well from their time together at French club Nantes. Louza’s versatility and physical strength makes him an all-round midfielder capable of playing both offensive and defensive roles. Enjoying the full confidence of his coach, the Watford player has repaid that trust with outstanding performance in recent times. It would be a major surprise if he was not a pivotal player for the Atlas Lions at the upcoming World Cup.

Aboukhlal is one of the players Halilhodzic has consistently turned to, including at the AFCON in January. On the books of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, he is a gifted striker who is composed in front of goal and adept at operating in tight spaces. Imbued with impressive stamina, he works tirelessly to help out in defence and presses continuously when not in possession. He is another player impatiently waiting to showcase his credentials to the watching world.