Rabat – The Moroccan national team is gearing up for a challenging AFCON qualifying match against Gabon today.
This is Morocco’s first away game in a year, making it a true test of their form and focus.
Kick-off is set for 8 p.m. Moroccan time and fans can catch the action live on Arryadia TNT, BeIN Sports Arabic Max 5, and BeIN Sports France.
Morocco currently lead Group B undefeated with a perfect 12-point score. Gabon follow in second with seven points and are eager to secure the win to qualify for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For the Gabonese side, this game is more than just a qualifier. It’s a must-win match, and playing on home ground adds even more pressure. Despite Ngouali’s injury, the Panthers still have a solid lineup with players including Mario Lemina and Joelor Kanga making them a tough team to break down.
However, Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui is determined to see his squad deliver a strong performance. He called up a 26-man squad for the match, including some last-minute changes. Among these include swapping out Ilias Akhomach and Amir Richardson with Zakaria Aboukhlal and Reda Belahyane.
Regragui is also expected to make some changes in personnel at the back. Adam Masina is back on the squad, possibly in a new role, the 30-year-old is likely to form a left-footed defensive pairing alongside Aguerd.
Regragui is also reportedly considering placing back Noussair Mazraoui in left-back for tactical flexibility with freedom to roam in midfield to feed the attackers – a role he excels at for his club Manchester United.
On a positive note, Azzedine Ounahi is still fit to play despite a recent thigh injury scare. His presence will bring in a creative boost for Morocco in the midfield alongside Sofyan Amrabat and Brahim Diaz.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference yesterday, Regragui made it clear that Morocco is taking this match seriously. “This will not be a friendly game just because Gabon has secured their qualification. We are representing a nation ranked 13th globally and 4th in Africa, and our goal is always to win,” he stated.
Regragui acknowledged that African teams view Morocco as the team to beat to rebound from bad results. “Every team wants to beat us, and that’s why we must stay consistent and maintain the high standards we’ve set. Our ultimate ambition is to lift the African Cup on home soil in 2025,” he added.
Though Morocco have already qualified for AFCON 2025 as hosts, they’re using these games to fine-tune their tactics and maintain momentum. The Atlas Lions’ head coach is well aware this away game won’t be smooth sailing. “Gabon will be tough, especially with their fans behind them. But we’re here to win,” Regragui told the press.
Earlier reports described the pitch as poor and damaged. This will prove challenging for Morocco’s squad and may force Regragui to tweak his game plan to suit the field conditions. This will be key to avoid injuries and clinch a victory away with minimum damage.
Predicted Lineup:
Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Noussair Mazraoui; Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Diaz; Soufiane Rahimi, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Ayoub EL Kaabi.
The Atlas Lions defeated the Gabonese Panthers 4-1 in their first meeting in Agadir. But this time they’re on unfamiliar ground, and Gabon’s fans will make sure their team feels right at home.
Predicted Score: Gabon 1-2 Morocco
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