Morocco could face Lesotho in Bloemfontein during September’s international window

Morocco are expected to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a trip to South Africa, where they could face Lesotho at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on 29 September.

The proposed fixture was announced by the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA), which is responsible for arranging the match because Lesotho currently has no stadium approved to host international football. The date remains subject to confirmation by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

The match would be Morocco’s second Group A qualifier, although the exact date of their opening game has not yet been officially announced. Mohamed Ouahbi’s side are due to start their campaign at home against Gabon before travelling to South Africa. Niger complete the group.

Morocco will return to international action in less than a month, following a 2026 World Cup campaign that ended with the team among the world’s top eight for a second successive edition.

The North African side are also the reigning champions of Africa. Their first competitive fixtures since the World Cup will therefore come in the opening round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Lesotho secured their place in the qualifying phase by defeating Seychelles in a play-off. The Likuena won the decisive second leg 2-1 in Bloemfontein after the first match had finished 0-0.

With no suitable venue available in Lesotho, Bloemfontein has been selected as the location for the meeting with Morocco. The Toyota Stadium is expected to host the fixture if the proposed schedule is approved by the FRMF.

For Morocco, the visit would represent a long journey across the continent early in the new international cycle. The team must first focus on their home meeting with Gabon, with the date for that game still officially unknown.

The qualifying group will bring together Morocco, Gabon, Niger and Lesotho, with the latter having reached the competition’s qualifying stage only after overcoming Seychelles in the preliminary play-off.

Further confirmation is expected before the September international window, particularly regarding the date and final approval of the fixture in Bloemfontein.