Morocco v Gabon: Moundounga backs Panthers to upset hosts in AFCON 2027 qualifier

Former Gabon international Rodrigue Moundounga believes the Panthers can produce a surprise when they face Morocco in the opening match of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Gabon travel to the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Friday, 25 September 2026, for a demanding test against the Atlas Lions. The fixture will also provide an early assessment of Sebastien Migne’s side as they begin their bid to reach the tournament.

Moundounga, who now works as a football official, knows the challenge of facing Morocco from personal experience. He was part of a Gabon side that beat the North African team at home in 2009.

The former Delta Telestars de Libreville player believes Gabon’s players must show the same pride and determination displayed by previous generations when they take on Morocco again.

Although the match is expected to be difficult, Moundounga says the Panthers have the ability to cause an upset at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah. A positive result, he believes, would give Gabon’s qualifying campaign an ideal start.

Moundounga shared his assessment of the fixture with Africafoot. The source article introduces his comments but does not include the direct quotation that followed.

The match is the first of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for both teams. Gabon will be hoping to begin their campaign with a result against one of the strongest opponents in the group, while Morocco will start as clear favourites on home soil.

The betting company 1xbet has priced a Gabon victory at 17,00, with a draw listed at 8,00 and a Morocco win at 1,10.