Morocco begin Africa Cup of Nations qualifying with convincing win over Gabon

Morocco made a strong start to their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign by beating Gabon 2-0 in a match they controlled for long periods before securing all three points late on.

The Atlas Lions dominated possession from the opening stages and applied sustained pressure on the Gabon defence. Azzedine Ounahi was one of Morocco’s main attacking threats, but he was unable to convert several early opportunities.

Ounahi came closest in the 27th minute when one of his attempts struck the crossbar, as Morocco continued to look for a breakthrough.

The opening goal finally arrived nine minutes later. Noussair Mazraoui advanced into a dangerous position, escaped his marker and released a powerful shot from outside the penalty area which beat Gabon goalkeeper Amonome.

Morocco nearly doubled their lead before half-time when Abdessamad Ezzalzouli delivered a precise cross towards El Aynaoui. However, the opportunity was not taken, leaving the Atlas Lions 1-0 ahead at the interval.

Gabon faced further pressure after the restart, with Amonome producing an important save to deny a powerful effort from Nayef Aguerd. Morocco continued to search for a second goal, although Gabon gradually became more threatening as the half progressed.

Denis Bouanga was at the centre of Gabon’s best attacking moments and repeatedly caused problems for the Moroccan defence. Yassine Bounou preserved Morocco’s advantage with two important saves from Bouanga, in the 57th and 77th minutes.

Those interventions proved decisive as Morocco eventually put the result beyond doubt six minutes from time.

Soufiane Rahimi completed the scoring in the 84th minute after receiving a well-delivered cross from Bilal El Khannouss. He converted the chance to confirm Morocco’s victory and secure an ideal opening to their qualifying campaign.