Morocco survive late Gabon scare despite total dominance in Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Morocco began their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Gabon in Rabat on Friday, but the result failed to reflect a match that became unexpectedly tense in the closing stages.

The Atlas Lions controlled proceedings for long periods, enjoying 68% possession and repeatedly threatening through a lively left flank. They also made 28 touches in the Gabon penalty area as they moved the ball with purpose and maintained pressure on the visitors.

However, Morocco’s familiar weakness in front of goal remained evident. Their dominance did not consistently lead to clear chances, with the team often lacking precision with the final or penultimate action.

Ez Abde was a constant threat on the left, regularly beating his opponent and creating opportunities to deliver into the box. But his crosses rarely found a team-mate, partly because Gabon packed the area with defenders.

Azzedine Ounahi also enjoyed an influential performance. His passing was inventive and generally well judged, although Gabon frequently managed to get a foot to his deliveries at the last possible moment.

On the right, Gessime Yassine was less consistent, although his understanding with Ali Maamar improved as the game progressed. Maamar was deputising for Hakimi.

Morocco took the lead before half-time through Noussair Mazraoui, but their intensity dropped after the interval. Having established a 1-0 advantage, they appeared increasingly willing to protect it rather than continue pushing for a second goal.

That approach allowed Gabon to create far too many openings and left Morocco vulnerable to an outcome that would have been difficult to explain given their overall superiority.

Yassine Bounou proved decisive. The goalkeeper made five saves, most of them crucial, including three in the final minutes after Soufiane Rahimi had doubled Morocco’s lead.

Gabon also wasted two opportunities through Denis Bouanga inside the penalty area. Without those misses and Bounou’s interventions, Morocco could have ended the opening round of qualifying frustrated and with only one point.

Instead, the hosts secured all three points, but their late difficulties offered a clear warning. The quarter-finalists at the 2026 World Cup will need to improve their efficiency and avoid allowing matches to become so unpredictable after establishing control.

Their next opportunity to address those concerns comes on Tuesday, when Morocco face Lesotho in the second round of qualifying.