CAN 2027 Qualifiers: Morocco dominates Gabon in Rabat

Morocco triumphed over Gabon in Rabat, winning 2-0 in the opening match of the CAF Champions League qualifiers for 2027. Thanks to goals from Mazraoui and Hakimi, the Lions secured all 3 points from the match.

Morocco remains a formidable team for Gabon. This 22nd encounter favored the Atlas Lions. With a largely rejuvenated squad, Morocco successfully disrupted the plans of Sébastien Migné and his Panthers. Although the start of the match was relatively balanced, Noussair Mazraoui quickly opened the scoring. In the 36th minute, the Manchester United defender found the net, giving Morocco the lead. Gabon attempted to equalize but was thwarted by a solid Moroccan defense.

After the break, Gabon ceded control of the game to Morocco, opting for counter-attacks. The Panthers managed to put the Moroccan defense under pressure. However, Yassine Bounou was alert. It was in the dying moments of the match that Hakimi definitively dashed Gabon's hopes. Alone in the box, he capitalized on a cross to score the second goal.

Morocco is off to a strong start. They will face Lesotho in the second round, while Gabon will take on Niger, who triumphed over Lesotho this Friday.