Morocco step up AFCON 2027 preparations ahead of Gabon opener

Morocco have continued preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with another training session at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora.

The Atlas Lions are preparing for their opening Group qualifier against Gabon on Friday, with head coach Mohamed Ouahbi using the international break to work with his squad ahead of their first competitive test.

Most of the players called up were involved in Tuesday’s training session, although Ismael Saibari and Achraf Hakimi have yet to join the group.

Hakimi and Saibari expected to join Morocco squad

Saibari and Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi are expected to link up with their Morocco team-mates on Wednesday as Ouahbi continues preparations for the two AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

The Atlas Lions will remain at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in the coming days as they fine-tune their preparations for the opening fixture against Gabon.

Morocco are scheduled to host Gabon on Friday, 25 September, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off at 19:00 local time.

Morocco face Lesotho after Gabon

After the meeting with Gabon, Morocco will travel to South Africa for their second qualifying fixture against Lesotho.

The match will be played at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on 29 September, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00.

The two matches will provide Ouahbi with an early opportunity to assess his side as Morocco begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.

Ghana friendly awaits Atlas Lions

Morocco will round off the international break with a friendly against Ghana on 4 October.

The match will take place at the Grand Stade de Tanger, adding another West African test to Morocco’s schedule after their AFCON qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho.