Morocco v Gabon: How to watch Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier

Morocco begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign against Gabon in Rabat on Friday, with both sides entering the match under new circumstances.

The Atlas Lions return to competitive action in front of their home supporters several months after their successful 2026 World Cup campaign. The fixture will also provide another important test for Mohamed Ouahbi as he continues to reshape his squad.

Gabon, meanwhile, start a new chapter under French manager Sebastien Migne and will be without their most recognisable player, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The match will take place at Rabat on Friday, 25 September 2026, with kick-off at 20:00 local time (GMT+1). That is 21:00 in France and 20:00 in Gabon.

In France, the game will be shown on beIN Sports Max1. Viewers in Morocco can watch it on Arryadia. Canal+ is also among the broadcasters carrying the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa, while beIN Sports MENA has coverage of the competition in North Africa.

Morocco missing key players

Morocco will be without Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari after both players were suspended. Their absences remove two important starters from Ouahbi’s options, although the head coach still has considerable depth available to him.

There is also uncertainty surrounding Brahim Diaz. The leading scorer at the last Africa Cup of Nations has been troubled by muscular pain but has remained with the squad and hopes to be fit to play.

That situation may have contributed to the unexpected call-up of Ilias Akhomach during the international window. However, no official connection has been confirmed between the two developments.

Aubameyang absent for Gabon

Gabon will have to cope without Aubameyang, who has stepped away from international football for the third time. His decision comes only a few months after he was viewed as one of the players held responsible for the Panthers’ disappointing campaign at the last Africa Cup of Nations.

Gabon’s all-time leading scorer, with 40 goals in 86 appearances, previously said he had been unhappy with the circumstances of his exclusion. He wanted explanations and potentially an apology before considering a return to the national team.

His absence is also significant on the pitch. Despite being 37, Aubameyang remains productive and has already scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in Liga since joining Deportivo La Coruna.

Migne has not ruled out a return. The new Gabon manager has said publicly that the door remains open and has written to Aubameyang personally, with the aim of bringing him back for the November international break.

Until that relationship is repaired, Migne must prepare for his first match without his leading figure. Against a Morocco side also missing important players but offering far more alternatives, the trip to Rabat represents an immediate test of Gabon’s new cycle.