Gabon coach Migné praises Morocco’s quality after AFCON 2027 qualifier defeat

Gabon coach Sébastien Migné says Morocco are operating at a level his side are “far from” after the Atlas Lions opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory.

Morocco secured all three points in their opening Group B fixture, with Migné saying their performance and style of play were exactly what Gabon had expected.

Migné impressed by Morocco’s level

“I was not surprised by Morocco’s level or their style of play. It was exactly what we expected from them. It is a very high level, and we are far from that,” Migné said at his post-match press conference.

The Gabon coach highlighted Morocco’s clear playing principles, particularly their build-up play and triangular combinations on the wings.

He pointed to the first half as an example of the Atlas Lions’ approach, with their movement and combinations on the flanks causing problems for his side.

Young Morocco side impresses

Migné said he was slightly surprised by the number of young players in Morocco’s starting line-up but acknowledged the quality within their squad.

“Perhaps I was a little surprised to see so many young players in the starting lineup, but they are Under-20 world champions, and we know that there is a large pool of talent,” he said.

The Gabon coach added that giving young players playing time and experience was an appropriate approach for Morocco, particularly at the beginning of a new competition and in front of their home supporters.

Gabon look to build from defeat

For Gabon, Migné described the match against Morocco as a “first step” for his team in the new qualifying campaign.

The result leaves Gabon needing to regroup as they continue their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON, while Morocco have made a positive start after securing victory in their opening fixture.