Morocco’s road to the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 will officially begin on Friday, and CAF has confirmed the referee who will take charge of the Atlas Lions’ opening qualifier.
South African official Abongile Tom has been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referees Committee to oversee the Group B encounter between Morocco and Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 p.m. local time, with the Atlas Lions looking to begin their qualifying campaign with a strong result in front of their home supporters.
Abongile Tom Gets the Opening Assignment
The South African official has been entrusted with one of the first important matches of Morocco’s new qualifying campaign.
Tom has previously officiated matches in CAF competitions, giving him experience of the continental environment ahead of Friday’s fixture.
His appointment means the focus will now turn to the pitch, where Morocco and Gabon will begin their respective journeys toward the 2027 tournament.
Morocco Begins Another AFCON Campaign
For the Atlas Lions, the qualifier represents the beginning of a new continental chapter.
Morocco will be looking to build on its recent performances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which was hosted on home soil, as the national team turns its attention toward the next edition of the competition.
The objective is now qualification for AFCON 2027, with every point potentially important as the group stage develops.
Gabon Provide the First Test
Standing in Morocco’s way on Friday will be a Gabon side featuring several experienced players.
The visitors will arrive in Rabat looking to make their own statement in the opening Group B fixture, setting up an important early contest between two teams with ambitions of reaching the continental tournament.
Playing at home gives Morocco the opportunity to begin the campaign in front of its supporters, while Gabon will aim to leave the Moroccan capital with a positive result.
The Road to AFCON 2027 Begins in Rabat
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, bringing together the continent’s leading national teams for another major edition of the competition.
Before the tournament itself, however, Morocco must navigate the qualifying campaign.
Friday’s meeting with Gabon will therefore be more than an opening fixture. It will mark the first step in a new qualification journey for a national team that continues to carry high expectations on the continental stage.
A New Campaign for the Atlas Lions
With Abongile Tom confirmed as the referee and the match set for 7:00 p.m. in Rabat, all attention will now turn toward the opening whistle.
Morocco will aim to use home advantage, start the group stage positively and take an early step toward securing its place at AFCON 2027.
The journey begins at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, with Gabon providing the first challenge on the road to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.