Morocco concluded their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign in spectacular fashion with a 7-0 thrashing of Lesotho at the Honneur Stadium on Monday evening. The emphatic victory secured the Atlas Lions a flawless record in Group B, winning all six matches and amassing 18 points.
The North Africans dominated proceedings from the first whistle, showcasing their technical superiority and clinical finishing against a Lesotho side that struggled to contain their relentless attack.
Real Madrid rising star Brahim Diaz opened the scoring just five minutes into the match, capitalizing on a precise pass from Azzedine Ounahi.
Diaz doubled his tally in the 15th minute, seizing on a defensive error by Lesotho’s Tsepang Sefoli, and completed his hat trick just before halftime with another composed finish in the 42nd minute.
Soufiane Rahimi added to Morocco’s advantage, finding the back of the net in the 37th minute and converting a penalty during first-half stoppage time to make it 4-0 by the break.
The second half saw Morocco maintain their dominance as they continued to pile on the pressure.
Youssef En-Nesyri joined the scoring spree with a goal in the 68th minute, followed by Ismail Saibari, who netted just two minutes later to cap off the rout.
Defensive resolve
In addition to their attacking prowess, Morocco displayed improved defensive organization, keeping a clean sheet after conceding in their previous match against Gabon.
The victory not only underscored their dominance in group B but also reinforced their credentials as one of the tournament favorites heading into the finals.
Match highlights
Scorers:
- Morocco: Brahim Diaz (5′, 15′, 42′), Soufiane Rahimi (37′, 45+2′ pen), Youssef En-Nesyri (68′), Ismail Saibari (70′)
- Lesotho: None
Lineups:
Morocco.
Bono, Nayef Aguerd, Sofyan Amrabat, Ayoub Aznou (Adam Masina 76′), Eliesse Ben Seghir (Bilal El Khannous 46′), Brahim Diaz (Ayoub El Kaabi 62′), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Jawad El Yamiq, Noussair Mazraoui, Azzedine Ounahi (Ismail Saibari 46′), Soufiane Rahimi (Youssef En-Nesyri 63′).
Lesotho.
Sekhoane Moerane, Tumelo Mafatle (Lehlohonolo Lebokollane 53′), Thabo Makhele, Thabang Malane, Lehlohonolo Matsau, Neo Mokhachane (Tsepo Letsema 53′), Rethabile Mokokoana, Sera Motebang, Thabo Phatsisi (Hlompho Kalake 53′), Rorisang Rasethuntsa, Tsepang Sefoli (Teboho Toloane 79′).
The result cements Morocco’s place as one of the top teams in the qualifiers, sending a strong message to their rivals ahead of the 2025 AFCON finals.
For Lesotho, the defeat ends their campaign on a sour note, highlighting the gulf in class between the two sides.
