The Morocco national team returns to competitive action on Friday when the Atlas Lions welcome Gabon to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat for the opening round of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
The fixture represents the beginning of a new qualifying campaign and another important stage in Morocco’s development under Mohamed Ouahbi.
For Gabon, the match marks the start of a new era under Sébastien Migné, with the Panthers entering a period of transition following the international retirement of their long-time captain and star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
With both teams placed in Group A alongside Niger and Lesotho, Friday’s encounter offers an important opportunity to make an early start in the race for qualification.
Match Details
- Fixture: Morocco vs Gabon
- Competition: TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 Qualifiers – Group A
- Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
- Date: Friday, September 25
- Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. GMT
- Broadcast: Arryadia / beIN Sports
Morocco Begin a New Qualifying Chapter
The Atlas Lions enter the match following their quarter-final appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, returning to competitive football with renewed expectations.
Friday will also represent Ouahbi’s first AFCON qualifier in charge of the national team.
The coach has introduced several younger options into the squad while continuing to rely on established internationals, creating a balance between experience and the next generation of Moroccan talent.
A positive opening result would provide an ideal foundation for the campaign.
Defensive Adjustments Without Hakimi
Morocco will be without Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari, who are both suspended for the opening qualifier.
Hakimi’s absence is particularly significant given his importance on the right side, with Noussair Mazraoui expected to move into the position.
The defensive structure could therefore look slightly different from what Moroccan supporters are accustomed to seeing, although the squad contains enough experience to handle the adjustment.
Diaz Fitness Remains a Question
Another major talking point is the availability of Brahim Diaz.
The Real Madrid forward joined the national-team camp carrying persistent muscular discomfort and did not complete Tuesday’s training session.
His condition will need to be assessed before the match, leaving his participation uncertain.
Ouahbi has another attacking option available in Ilias Akhomach, who was added to the squad and could provide additional creativity and directness if Diaz is unable to feature.
Morocco’s Attacking Options
Even without some key players, Morocco still have considerable attacking quality.
Soufiane Rahimi is expected to be one of the main threats in the final third, while Bilal El Khannouss and Azzedine Ounahi can provide creativity and control through midfield.
On the left, Abde Ezzalzouli offers pace and one-on-one ability that could be particularly useful against a Gabon side expected to defend in a compact structure.
Possible Morocco XI
Bounou; Mazraoui, Aguerd, Diop, Salah-Eddine; Ounahi, El Aynaoui; El Khannouss, Ezzalzouli, Akhomach; Rahimi.
Brahim Diaz could enter the lineup if he is cleared to play.
Gabon Enter a New Era
Gabon arrive in Rabat with their own challenges.
The appointment of Sébastien Migné begins a new chapter for the Panthers following Aubameyang’s retirement from international football.
The French coach will have to establish his ideas quickly, with Friday representing his first competitive match in charge.
Gabon still possess experienced players capable of making an impact, but the transition will require the team to adapt quickly to a new tactical structure and leadership.
Injury Absences Affect the Panthers
Gabon will be without Mario Lemina and Jim Allevinah, who have been ruled out through injury.
Migné has responded by calling up Randy Essang Matouti and Clech Loufilou as replacements.
The Panthers will nevertheless have several experienced internationals available, including Denis Bouanga, Guélor Kanga, André Poko and Ibrahim Ndong.
Bouanga Leads Gabon’s Attack
With Aubameyang no longer part of the national team, greater attacking responsibility is expected to fall on Denis Bouanga.
The forward brings experience, pace and a proven ability to create danger in the final third.
Shavy Babicka is another player Morocco will need to monitor, particularly in transition, while Kanga and Poko can provide experience and physical presence in midfield.
Possible Gabon XI
Amonome; Anthony Oyono, Appindangoye, Jérémy Oyono, Ekomie; Poko, Kanga, Ndong; Bouanga, Babicka, Effaghe.
Recent Form Gives Morocco Confidence
Morocco also have recent history on their side.
The Atlas Lions defeated Gabon 4–1 and 5–1 in their two meetings during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Gabon, meanwhile, endured a difficult 2025 AFCON campaign, losing all three of their group-stage matches.
Their World Cup hopes also came to an end in the African playoffs after a 4–1 extra-time defeat to Nigeria.
The recent record therefore provides Morocco with confidence, although the new qualifying campaign will require a fresh performance.
What to Expect in Rabat
Morocco are likely to look to control possession and use movement between the lines to break down Gabon’s defensive structure.
The absence of Hakimi and Saibari will require tactical adjustments, while Diaz’s fitness could influence the attacking setup.
Gabon, meanwhile, may look to remain compact and exploit spaces on the counterattack.
The pace of Bouanga and Babicka could become particularly important if Morocco commit numbers forward and leave room behind their defensive line.
A First Competitive Test for Ouahbi
Beyond the three points, Friday’s match will provide an early indication of how Ouahbi intends to shape the next phase of the Atlas Lions.
The squad contains a mixture of established internationals and younger players eager to establish themselves, giving the coach several options as he builds toward the challenges ahead.
For Migné, the task is different but equally important: begin a new era for Gabon with a competitive performance against one of Africa’s leading national teams.
The Road to AFCON 2027 Begins
The opening fixture will set the tone for both sides as Group A gets underway.
Morocco will have home support behind them and the opportunity to begin the campaign with three points, while Gabon will arrive determined to make life difficult for the hosts.
At the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, a new qualifying journey begins, and both teams will be looking to take the first step toward AFCON 2027.