Sebastien Migne begins Gabon stint with defeat to Morocco in AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Sebastien Migne’s first match as Gabon head coach ended in a 2-0 defeat to Morocco in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

The Frenchman took charge of the Panthers for the first time against the Atlas Lions, but goals from Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi gave Morocco victory in the Group A encounter.

The result leaves Migne waiting for his first points as Gabon coach as he begins his task of guiding the Panthers through the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

Migne faces familiar opponents

Migne already had experience of facing Morocco before taking charge of Gabon.

The Frenchman previously coached Haiti when his side twice took the lead against Morocco during a World Cup group match in Atlanta before eventually losing 4-2.

This time, however, Migne’s Gabon side were unable to trouble the Atlas Lions, who secured all three points with a controlled performance.

Gabon begin AFCON qualifying campaign

The defeat gives Gabon a difficult start to their Group A campaign, while Morocco move to the top of the section.

Migne will now turn his attention to Gabon’s next qualifying assignment against Niger on Tuesday, September 29, as he looks to build a team capable of challenging for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.