AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Beating Lesotho was not easy – Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou says the Atlas Lions had to remain focused to secure a 2-0 victory over Lesotho in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

Morocco recorded their second consecutive Group A win at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, with Brahim Diaz opening the scoring shortly before half-time, before Azzedine Ounahi sealed the victory in the 82nd minute.

Speaking after the match, Bounou praised his teammates for maintaining their concentration in a difficult away fixture.

“We managed the game well, and the players put in a great performance. It was not an easy match, even though the opponent was not at the same level as the Moroccan team,” the goalkeeper said.

Bounou highlights difficult pitch

The Morocco captain acknowledged that playing away from home presented additional challenges, particularly because of the condition of the pitch.

Bounou said the playing surface made it difficult for Morocco to produce the technical football they normally look to play.

“When you play away from home, things are always difficult, especially with a pitch that does not help you play your football,” Bounou explained.

Despite those difficulties, the goalkeeper said Morocco remained disciplined and focused throughout the encounter.

“They stayed very focused, and I congratulate them for that,” he added.

Morocco maintain perfect start

Morocco created several chances before Diaz broke the deadlock shortly before half-time, while Ounahi’s late strike ensured the Atlas Lions collected all three points.

The result leaves Morocco with six points from two Group A matches after they also defeated Gabon 2-0 in Rabat in their opening qualifier.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side have also kept two consecutive clean sheets at the start of their qualifying campaign.

Morocco will next turn their attention to their upcoming international commitments, including a friendly against Ghana on October 4 at the Grand Stade de Tanger.