AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Issa Diop confident Morocco can overcome Lesotho test

Morocco defender Issa Diop says the Atlas Lions are fully prepared for the challenge of facing Lesotho in South Africa and have “no excuses” as they seek a second consecutive victory in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The defender was speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Group A encounter at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, which will be his first competitive away match on African soil.

“This is my first time in South Africa, and it will be my first match outside Morocco in Africa,” the Moroccan International said.

Morocco opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Gabon in Rabat on Friday and are looking to maintain their positive start against Lesotho.

Diop embraces African challenge

The defender acknowledged the different demands of playing away in Africa but said he was excited by the opportunity.

“This is something new for me, but I am very excited to take on this challenge, because we know that away matches in Africa are tough, and I hope we show our best side tomorrow to win this match,” he added.

Morocco travelled to South Africa for the second qualifying fixture and held a training session in Bloemfontein on Sunday, with the squad working on tactical and technical aspects of their preparation.

Diop said the information provided by the technical staff had helped the players prepare for the conditions they could encounter.

‘We have no excuses’

The Moroccan defender insisted the team had been given enough preparation and information to deal with the challenges of playing away from home.

“Adaptation is less difficult for us because we have a staff that knows the players well and provides us with all the information we need. As the coach said, we have no excuses; we are very well prepared, and we hope to win this match,” Diop explained.

According to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, all players who travelled with the squad took part in Sunday’s training session.

The only absentee is centre-back Nayef Aguerd, who remained in Morocco to continue his individual fitness programme following his recent injury.

Morocco target another three points

Morocco will face Lesotho at Toyota Stadium on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00 GMT.

The Atlas Lions are aiming to make it two wins from two in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers and strengthen their position in Group A.