Lesotho coach Bob Mafoso admits Morocco’s superiority after defeat in AFCON 2027 qualifier

Lesotho head coach Bob Mafoso has admitted that Morocco’s superior quality ultimately made the difference in their 2-0 defeat in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Crocodiles suffered defeat against the Atlas Lions at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening, with Morocco securing their second consecutive victory in Group A.

Mafoso acknowledged the gulf in individual quality between the two sides, insisting that Morocco’s greater experience and technical ability played a decisive role in determining the outcome.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Lesotho coach said the result reflected the difference between the two teams.

“Quality prevailed and logic was respected,” Mafoso said, acknowledging Morocco’s superiority.

Despite the defeat, Mafoso was pleased with aspects of his team’s tactical performance and felt Lesotho were able to compete with Morocco for periods of the encounter.

However, he admitted that his players still need to improve physically if they are to compete more effectively against top African opposition.

The Lesotho coach also highlighted inexperience as another factor that worked against his side.

According to Mafoso, Morocco’s organisation, cohesion and ability to quickly regain possession made it difficult for Lesotho to maintain their balance throughout the match.

Morocco eventually broke the deadlock just before half-time when Brahim Diaz found the back of the net in the 45th minute.

The Atlas Lions continued to control key moments of the game and eventually doubled their advantage through Azzedine Ounahi in the 82nd minute to secure all three points.

The victory takes Morocco to six points from two matches in Group A, maintaining their position at the top of the standings pending the outcome of the encounter between Gabon and Niger.

For Lesotho, the defeat represents another difficult result against one of the continent’s strongest sides, but Mafoso believes the performance provides lessons for his players as they continue their qualifying campaign.

Morocco will return to AFCON qualifying action in November when the third and fourth rounds are scheduled to take place between November 11 and 17.

The Atlas Lions are expected to host Niger before travelling for their second fixture of the window as they continue their push to maintain their perfect start to the campaign.