Morocco and Gabon name probable line-ups for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations opener

Morocco begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign against Gabon on Friday, 25 September 2026, with both sides expected to rely on experienced line-ups.

Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi is set to prioritise defensive strength and experience. Yassine Bounou is expected to retain his place in goal, while Issa Diop and Nayef Aguerd are likely to form the central defensive partnership.

Noussair Mazraoui and Anass Salah-Eddine are expected to operate at full-back, offering Morocco an attacking outlet from defence as well as defensive cover.

Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi are likely to provide the balance in midfield. Their presence should allow Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Diaz and Abde Ezzalzouli to play in more advanced positions.

Ismael Saibari is expected to lead the attack, reflecting a preference for a mobile and technically gifted forward rather than a traditional penalty-box finisher.

Morocco’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou

Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Issa Diop, Nayef Aguerd, Anass Salah-Eddine

Defensive midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi

Attacking midfielders: Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Abde Ezzalzouli

Forward: Ismael Saibari

Gabon manager Sebastien Migne is also expected to select a pragmatic and experienced starting XI.

Junior Bekale is set to be preferred in goal, with his consistency making him the likely choice. In central defence, Aaron Appindangoye and Michel Mboula are expected to provide strength and leadership.

Guelor Kanga, Didier Ibahim Ndong and Andre Poko are likely to form a three-man midfield. The trio combines technical ability with ball-winning qualities, although Gabon will be without Mario Lemina, who is injured.

Denis Bouanga remains Gabon’s principal attacking threat. He is expected to be supported by the pace of Shavy Babicka and Teddy Averlant as Gabon look to counter the Atlas Lions.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not feature after deciding to pause his international career.

Gabon’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Junior Bekale

Defenders: Anthony Oyono, Aaron Appindangoye, Michel Mboula, Jacques Ekomie

Midfielders: Guelor Kanga, Didier Ibahim Ndong, Andre Poko

Forwards: Denis Bouanga, Shavy Babicka, Teddy Averlant

The match is the opening fixture for both teams in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Morocco hosting Gabon in the first round of matches.