Morocco begin AFCON 2027 qualifying with victory over Gabon

Morocco made a winning start to their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign by beating Gabon 2-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Noussair Mazraoui opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Soufiane Rahimi added a second six minutes from time, as the Atlas Lions secured a deserved victory despite missing several key players.

Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi was without suspended pair Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari, while Brahim Diaz was rested and left out of the matchday squad. Maamar replaced Hakimi at right-back, with Yassine Gessime moving into the more advanced role usually occupied by Diaz.

Ez Abde returned on the left wing after missing the World Cup through injury, while Zabiri started as the central striker after a strong run of form.

The hosts dominated for long periods and created numerous chances, but their failure to settle the match earlier allowed Gabon to remain in contention. Morocco goalkeeper Bounou was required to make around half a dozen important saves during a tense closing period.

He pushed away a shot from Bouanga, then stretched to divert a header with his fingertips. Bounou also denied Bouanga from close range and produced another crucial save with his fists to protect Morocco’s lead.

Rody Junior Effaghe came close to meeting a cross with a diving header, although he appeared to be offside. He later sent a free header straight into Bounou’s hands after finding space inside the penalty area, prompting an angry reaction from the Morocco goalkeeper towards his defence.

Shavy Babicka and Jonathan Do Marcolino were replaced by Andre Jordy Ella and Teddy Andami Averlant as Gabon sought a way back into the match.

Morocco, quarter-finalists at the 2026 World Cup, are in a qualifying group also containing Lesotho and Niger. The Atlas Lions are clear favourites to finish top and are regarded as the holders, although that status remains subject to the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirming next month the decision made by the CAF appeals jury.

Gabon, meanwhile, have begun a new era under French manager Sebastien Migne. The coach must immediately cope with the absence of the country’s most prominent player, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has stepped back from international football several months after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign for the Panthers.

Aubameyang is Gabon’s leading scorer with 40 goals in 86 appearances. Despite being 37, he remains productive and has scored five goals and provided two assists in La Liga since joining Deportivo La Coruna. However, an injury is expected to keep him out for about two months.

Gabon will therefore need new attacking options, including Denis Bouanga. Their first away match under Migne was a significant test for a team in transition, especially after Morocco defeated them 4-1 and 5-1 in qualifying for the previous edition.