Morocco maintain perfect start in CAN 2027 qualifying with Lesotho win

Morocco continued their strong start to the CAN 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Lesotho at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Tuesday.

The result leaves the Atlas Lions top of Group A with six points from two matches, having followed Friday’s 2-0 victory over Gabon in Rabat with another comfortable success. They will remain in first place until the outcome of Gabon-Niger is known.

Morocco dominated possession and created the clearer chances against a determined but limited Lesotho side. However, difficult playing conditions on a bumpy pitch made it harder for the visitors to impose themselves and they had to wait until late in the match to secure the points.

Brahim Diaz opened the scoring shortly before half-time, giving Morocco a lead which reflected their control of the game. Lesotho continued to resist after the interval, but Morocco eventually doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute.

Azzedine Ounahi found the net with a precise side-footed finish, scoring his 12th goal for Morocco. The second goal ensured there would be no late pressure on the visitors and completed another 2-0 win for Mohamed Ouahbi’s side.

The only setback for Morocco was the second-half injury suffered by Noussair Mazraoui. Captain Achraf Hakimi, who was returning from suspension, came on during the match.

The victory strengthens Morocco’s position at the top of Group A as they continue their preparations for CAN 2027.

Abdeslam Laghrissi had said: “Morocco will win 2-0 against Lesotho.”