Morocco begin Africa Cup of Nations qualifying against Gabon as 2.49 goals bet attracts interest

Morocco begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Gabon in Rabat on Friday, with victory priced at 1.16 and both teams to score available at 2.49. The match kicks off at 19:00 GMT on 25 September 2026, with Nasser Eddy, consultant for NCI Sport and presenter of the European Champions League on radio Nostalgie, providing his analysis.

Morocco are Africa’s highest-ranked side and recently reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are also the finalists of the latest Africa Cup of Nations, although they could be awarded that title on 8 October, pending an expected decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Atlas Lions have been the continent’s outstanding team for the past four years and will regard anything other than a home win as a disappointing start to their latest pursuit of the trophy.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side have strengthened their reputation through two impressive World Cup appearances. In North America several months ago, they held their own against Brazil and the Netherlands, while beating Scotland and Canada without difficulty.

Their squad includes world-class individuals such as Achraf Hakimi, regarded as possibly the best right-back in the world over the past two seasons, Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz and Manchester City prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou remains another established figure.

Morocco scored 26 goals in six matches during their previous Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in late 2024, averaging more than four goals per game against Niger, Lesotho and Central African Republic.

Gabon start a new era under Sebastien Migne, who will take charge for the first time. The Panthers have played only twice in 2026, losing 3-1 to Uzbekistan and drawing 2-2 with Trinidad and Tobago at the FIFA Series in March.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga are no longer part of the new cycle. Mario Lemina is also unavailable because of injury, although Jim Allevinah, Guelor Kanga and Denis Bouanga remain important members of the squad.

Gabon have conceded three goals in three of their past four matches in all competitions, but they have scored in each of those four games. Their two 2026 fixtures brought no wins.

Morocco have won 12 of the 21 previous meetings between the teams, compared with six Gabon victories and three draws. The gap has widened recently: Morocco won 4-1 in Agadir and 5-1 in Franceville in the two 2024 meetings.

Yassir Zabiri is the player to watch. The 21-year-old has scored six goals in seven Spanish league appearances for Racing Santander while on loan from Stade Rennais. He has earned his first senior Morocco call-up after progressing through the Under-20 side, and injuries to Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi could give him a starting opportunity.

A 3-1 Morocco win is priced at 10, while Zabiri to score at any time is available at 1.84. The odds may change.