AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Ounahi demands winning start for Morocco against Gabon

Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has warned against underestimating Gabon as the Atlas Lions prepare to open their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday.

Ounahi said African qualifiers can be difficult regardless of the opponent’s reputation, but made it clear that Morocco’s objective is to claim all three points in front of their home supporters.

Ounahi warns Morocco against complacency

Speaking during Morocco’s final training session before the match, Ounahi stressed that seemingly straightforward fixtures can become challenging once the game begins.

“Every match in Africa is difficult,” Ounahi said. “You can face an opponent you think will be easy, but when you get into the match, you find that it is difficult.”

The midfielder said Morocco are determined to begin their qualifying campaign with a victory.

“God willing, tomorrow we will play for the three points because when you start the qualifiers, it is better to start with three points,” he said.

“Thankfully, tomorrow we will play in front of our supporters, and God willing, we will get the three points.”

Morocco will host Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday, September 25, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 local time.

The match will be Morocco’s first Group A fixture in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

Ounahi welcomes Morocco’s new generation

Ounahi also welcomed the integration of younger players into Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad after several emerging talents were called up for the international window.

“The young players who arrive will also play for the national team for many years,” he said. “Adapting is easy for them because they are all Moroccan. In the national team, the doors are open to every player, and age is not a problem.”

He added that the more experienced members of the squad have helped the newcomers settle quickly.

“The players adapted to the group very quickly. We are behind them and supporting them, and tomorrow I hope they have a good match.”

Ouahbi named a 29-man squad that includes uncapped youngsters Abdellah Ouazane, Soufiane El-Faouzi and Yassir Zabiri, with CAF describing their inclusion as part of Morocco’s move to introduce younger talent into the senior team.

Morocco completed their final training session on Thursday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with SNRT reporting that the newcomers had integrated well into the group.

Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari will miss the Gabon match through suspension.

After facing Gabon, Morocco will travel to Bloemfontein to meet Lesotho on September 29 in their second qualifier.