Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi was pleased with his team’s 2-0 victory over Gabon, although he acknowledged that the Atlas Lions still have details to correct as their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign continues.
The result gave Morocco an important three points in their opening qualifier, while the match also provided Ouahbi with an opportunity to assess several players and experiment with a number of combinations.
Among the main positives were the performances of Yassir Zabiri and Ali Maamar, as well as the understanding shown by Issa Diop and Nayef Aguerd in central defence.
A Winning Start With Room to Improve
Ouahbi described the victory as an important beginning for Morocco, while making it clear that the team cannot afford to stop developing.
The Atlas Lions created a number of opportunities throughout the match and eventually secured the points through goals from Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi.
However, the coach recognised that Morocco's rhythm was affected during certain periods, particularly when Gabon adopted a deeper defensive approach.
Zabiri Earns His Opportunity
One of the notable decisions before kick-off was the inclusion of Yassir Zabiri in the starting XI.
The young forward was rewarded for his strong performances at club level and was given his first senior start for Morocco.
Ouahbi explained that the coaching staff had been pleased with what they had seen from the striker and believed he could offer something valuable to the national team.
The decision also reflects the coach’s willingness to give emerging Moroccan talents meaningful opportunities alongside more established internationals.
Maamar Makes a Confident Debut
Another young player to attract attention was Ali Maamar, who made his senior international debut.
The defender was brought into the starting XI in the absence of suspended captain Achraf Hakimi, taking on an important role against a physically demanding Gabon side.
Ouahbi praised the youngster’s understanding of his responsibilities and felt he delivered a good performance.
For the young defender, it was an important first step at senior international level and another example of the opportunities being created for Morocco’s emerging generation.
Diop and Aguerd Form a Promising Partnership
Ouahbi also had positive words for his central defensive pairing.
Issa Diop and Nayef Aguerd showed a good understanding throughout the match, helping Morocco maintain a clean sheet despite Gabon creating more pressure during the second half.
The coach’s comments suggest that the partnership could remain an option for the upcoming matches as he continues to evaluate Morocco’s defensive structure.
With both defenders combining physical presence and experience, their understanding could become an important part of the Atlas Lions’ defensive organisation.
Brahim Diaz Situation Being Managed Carefully
Ouahbi also addressed the condition of Brahim Diaz, who arrived at the national-team camp with physical concerns.
The medical staff carried out examinations and found no serious issue, with the Real Madrid attacker remaining eager to contribute.
The coaching staff, however, are expected to manage his situation carefully rather than take unnecessary risks.
Diaz’s availability could provide another major attacking option as Morocco continue through the qualifying campaign.
Gabon’s Deep Block Changed the Rhythm
The Morocco coach also explained why the match became slower during certain phases.
Gabon frequently defended deep, leaving Morocco with less space to attack and making it more difficult for the Atlas Lions to reach the final third quickly.
That defensive approach also contributed to the changes in tempo seen throughout the match.
For Ouahbi, learning how to deal with such situations more effectively will be part of Morocco’s continued development.
Building From the Opening Victory
Despite those challenges, the coach remains satisfied with both the performance and the result.
The opening victory allowed Morocco to begin their AFCON 2027 campaign with three points while also giving Ouahbi valuable information about his players and possible combinations.
The performances of Zabiri and Maamar, the encouraging partnership between Diop and Aguerd, and the continued integration of Morocco’s younger generation all provide positives to build on.
The Atlas Lions will now turn their attention to Lesotho, with another qualifying test awaiting them in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on September 29.
For Ouahbi, the objective is clear: keep the winning momentum while using each match to refine the details and build a stronger Morocco side.