Atlas Lions arrive in Agadir ahead of AFCON 2025 qualifier against Gabon

The Atlas Lions touched down in Agadir on Thursday, September 5, as they prepare to face Gabon in their first match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers. Morocco’s national team departed from Rabat-Salé airport earlier in the day, ready to continue their journey toward securing a strong start in Group B.

The match, set to take place at the Grand Stade d’Agadir on Friday, marks the opening day of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

Despite Morocco already securing their spot in the tournament as the host nation, the team is expected to approach the match with full intensity, aiming to set a positive tone for their campaign. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time.

In the lead-up to the match, Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, is scheduled to address the media in a press conference at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Stade d’Agadir.

This will be followed by a final training session for the national team, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Coach Regragui is likely to discuss his strategy for the match and provide updates on the squad’s readiness, particularly in light of their already secured qualification.

Thierry Dieudonné Mouyouma, the coach of the Gabonese national team, will also hold a pre-match press conference at 5:45 p.m., where he is expected to outline Gabon’s approach to this challenging fixture.

Gabon, drawn in Group B alongside Morocco, Central African Republic, and Lesotho, will be keen to start their qualifying campaign on a positive note despite facing the tournament hosts.

For Morocco, this match represents not only a chance to secure points but also an opportunity to fine-tune their squad and tactics ahead of the tournament they will host from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The Atlas Lions, who are among the favorites for the title, will look to demonstrate their strength on home soil, beginning with this qualifier against Gabon.

Gabon, on the other hand, is set to challenge Morocco’s supremacy in the group and will be looking to capitalize on any opportunities presented during the match.

With the tournament still over a year away, both teams will be eager to build momentum and confidence as they progress through the qualifiers.

As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Agadir, where the Atlas Lions and the Panthers of Gabon will clash in what promises to be a compelling encounter in the early stages of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.