Morocco begin 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying against Gabon in Rabat

Morocco will host Gabon on Friday, 25 September 2026, in the opening round of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

The match will kick off at 19:00 GMT at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, with the hosts starting as strong favourites.

In Morocco, the game will be shown on Arryadia TNT, Al Aoula TNT, beIN Sports HD 3 and beIN SPORTS CONNECT / TOD. Viewers in France can watch on beIN Sports 1 and beIN SPORTS CONNECT, while Canal+ Sport Afrique will broadcast the match in sub-Saharan Africa. In the MENA region, the fixture will be available on BeIN Sports 3.

Head-to-head record

Morocco and Gabon have met 20 times, according to Transfermarkt data. The Atlas Lions have won 10 of those matches, compared with six victories for Gabon, while four encounters have ended in draws.

Morocco have scored 42 goals across those meetings, with Gabon registering 21. The most recent five fixtures between the sides have produced three Morocco victories, one draw and one Gabon win.

The match is expected to provide an early test of the identity being shaped by Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi.

Contrasting form and key absences

Morocco go into the fixture with positive momentum. Their recent run has included victories over Canada, the Netherlands and Haiti, although they were beaten by France at the 2026 World Cup.

Gabon’s latest results have been less encouraging. The Panthers drew 2-2 with Trinidad and Tobago before losing 3-1 to Uzbekistan during the March international break.

They will also be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has decided to suspend his international career. Mario Lemina is another confirmed absentee after suffering an injury.

The absence of both players leaves Gabon without two important figures as they prepare to face a Morocco side with home advantage and the stronger recent record.

Prediction and betting odds

Morocco are expected to control the game and secure victory without having to stretch themselves excessively. Their squad is considered superior, while their current form gives them an additional advantage.

Gabon are likely to need an outstanding collective performance and moments of individual quality if they are to challenge the hosts. Without Aubameyang and Lemina, creating consistent danger could prove difficult.

Africafoot’s prediction is a 3-1 win for Morocco.

The 1xbet odds listed for the match price a Morocco victory at 1,10, a draw at 8,00 and a Gabon win at 17,00.