Morocco made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, defeating Gabon 2-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday night.
The result gives Mohamed Ouahbi three valuable points in his first competitive match as Morocco head coach, although the performance was not without difficult moments.
Noussair Mazraoui broke the deadlock in the first half before Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory late on. Behind them, Yassine Bounou produced a series of crucial saves to ensure the Atlas Lions finished the night with a clean sheet.
A New Competitive Chapter Under Ouahbi
Morocco returned to competitive action for the first time since the 2026 World Cup, with Ouahbi making several changes to his starting XI.
With Achraf Hakimi suspended, Ali Maamar was handed a starting role on the right side of the defence, while Nayef Aguerd returned to the heart of the back line.
In midfield, Ouahbi trusted Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui and Azzedine Ounahi, while Yassir Zabiri made his first senior start for Morocco alongside Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Yassine Gessime.
Hakimi and Ismaïl Saibari watched from the stands because of their suspensions, while Brahim Diaz missed the game with muscular discomfort.
Morocco Gradually Take Control
The opening stages were closely contested, with both teams battling for control in midfield.
Morocco created their first real opportunity in the 11th minute, when Ounahi tried his luck from distance, only for his effort to narrowly miss the target.
Ezzalzouli then used his pace to beat two defenders before attempting to find Zabiri inside the area, but the final pass failed to reach the young forward.
Gabon struggled to create similar danger, with Bounou largely untested during the opening 25 minutes.
The Atlas Lions gradually increased the pressure, and Ounahi came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute. After beating an opponent near the edge of the box, the midfielder unleashed a powerful effort that crashed against the crossbar.
Mazraoui Breaks the Deadlock
Morocco’s growing pressure finally paid off in the 36th minute.
After another attacking move, Noussair Mazraoui stepped forward and unleashed a powerful low strike that beat the Gabonese goalkeeper and sent the Rabat crowd into celebration.
The Atlas Lions nearly doubled their advantage before the interval when Ezzalzouli found El Aynaoui in a promising position, but the midfielder could not keep his effort on target.
Morocco therefore went into half-time with a deserved 1-0 lead, having gradually taken control after a balanced opening.
Ouahbi Turns to His Bench
Morocco continued to push for a second goal after the restart.
Ezzalzouli created another opening with a determined run into the Gabonese penalty area, while Aguerd also came close from a corner soon afterwards.
As Gabon began to show more attacking intent, Ouahbi made his first changes in the 62nd minute.
Soufiane Rahimi replaced Zabiri, while Ilias Akhomach came on for Gessime, marking his return to the Atlas Lions after his absence from the previous period.
The changes added fresh energy to Morocco’s attack as the hosts looked to find the goal that would put the result beyond doubt.
Bounou Stands Tall Under Pressure
Gabon began finding more space as the second half progressed.
In the 74th minute, Denis Bouanga raced into the Moroccan area before unleashing a powerful shot, but Yassine Bounou reacted brilliantly to keep it out.
The goalkeeper was becoming increasingly important as the visitors searched for an equaliser.
Rody Junior Effaghe later rose to meet a cross and headed towards goal, but his attempt went straight into the Moroccan captain's hands.
With Gabon continuing to push, Morocco needed Bounou at his best.
Rahimi Seals the Victory
Ouahbi made further changes to strengthen the team, introducing Abdellah Ouazane for Ounahi and Bilal El Khannouss for Ezzalzouli.
Mazraoui, who had opened the scoring, was later replaced by Anass Salah-Eddine.
Then, in the closing stages, Morocco finally found the decisive second goal.
Soufiane Rahimi received the ball from El Khannouss and finished clinically to make it 2-0.
The Al Ain forward celebrated the goal with deep emotion, dedicating the moment to his father, who passed away only a few weeks ago.
Bounou Protects the Clean Sheet
Even after Rahimi’s goal, Gabon continued searching for a way back into the match.
Bounou once again proved decisive, producing several important interventions during the final minutes and keeping out three dangerous attempts as the visitors pushed forward.
His performance ensured that Morocco not only secured the three points but also finished their opening qualifier with a clean sheet.
Morocco Start on Top of Group A
The 2-0 victory gives Morocco an ideal start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
The Atlas Lions move to the top of Group A, ahead of Niger, who also opened their campaign with a victory after beating Lesotho 2-1.
Morocco will now turn their attention to their second qualifier on Tuesday, September 29, when they travel to Bloemfontein, South Africa, to face Lesotho.
For Ouahbi, the result provides an important foundation. The performance may leave room for improvement, but the Atlas Lions have secured the result that mattered most on opening night: three points, two goals and a clean sheet.