AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Morocco beat Lesotho to make it two wins from two

Morocco continued their perfect start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Lesotho in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Tuesday.

Brahim Diaz and Azzedine Ounahi scored in either half as the Atlas Lions secured their second consecutive victory and moved to six points at the top of their qualifying group.

The result strengthens Morocco’s position in the early stages of their bid to qualify for the next edition of Africa’s premier international tournament.

Diaz breaks Lesotho resistance

Morocco dominated possession from the opening stages and regularly pressed Lesotho inside their own half.

Coach Mohamed Wahbi made three changes to the side that started the previous qualifier against Gabon, bringing in Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Zakaria Wahidi and Osama Targhalline.

Ismail Sabiri was involved in Morocco’s attacking moves, while Azzedine Ounahi looked to threaten from distance and Brahim Diaz provided a constant attacking outlet.

Despite controlling the game, Morocco struggled to turn their dominance into goals during the first half as rushed finishing and a lack of composure in the final third allowed Lesotho to stay in contention.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the final minute of the first half when Diaz took advantage of a defensive mistake to put Morocco ahead.

The goal took the Real Madrid forward’s international tally to 15.

Ounahi seals Morocco victory

Morocco continued to dictate proceedings after the restart, maintaining possession and controlling the tempo of the match.

Wahbi made attacking changes in the closing stages, introducing Abde Ezzalzouli and Soufiane Rahimi as he looked to give his side greater threat in the final third.

The changes helped Morocco maintain their pressure and they doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute.

Rahimi produced the decisive pass for Ounahi, who finished the move to give the Atlas Lions a two-goal cushion.

Morocco continued to search for a third goal in the closing stages but could not add to their advantage.

The victory gives Morocco six points from their opening two matches and keeps them at the top of their group as their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 AFCON continues.