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Rabat – Morocco national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi has reacted to the results of today’s qualifying draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), cautiously commenting Morocco’s placement in Group A alongside Gabon, Niger, and Lesotho.
“These teams are not surprises; they are opponents we know well,” Ouahbi said in a statement to the official channels of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
“We have had the opportunity to play against them in recent years. I think it is an advantage to be able to face teams we are already familiar with.” For the Atlas Lions’ visibly ambitious and confident coach, Morocco’s “ambition and legitimate objective for this Africa Cup of Nations is to win it.” He elaborated: “We know that to make that goal a reality, we have to get through the rounds and qualify.”
The national team is preparing as thoroughly as possible to meet the demands of the continental competition, Ouahbi announced, stressing: “To win our matches, finish first, and qualify, we must show a lot of respect. These teams have shown us that we must be very respectful toward our opponents.”
When asked specifically about Gabon, Ouahbi pointed out that they had a strong run in the World Cup qualifiers, finishing second before falling in the playoffs. “They are a highly competitive team that knows how to be formidable thanks to the quality of their players. We will have to approach these matches well.”
“As for Niger, first of all, there is a bit of personal affection because we will meet Badou Zaki, who is an absolute legend here in Morocco and an inspiration for us coaches – Otherwise, it is a team much like Lesotho that has proven we must respect everyone. They are a growing side with a Moroccan coach at the helm, which makes us very proud,” he continued.
Ouahbi concluded by assessing Lesotho. “During the World Cup qualifiers, we only won 1-0 in one of our matches,” he recalled. “We will have to take these fixtures very seriously. As soon as the World Cup is over, we will shift our entire focus to this. Winning it is one of our main objectives.”
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, June 19, 2027, with the final match set for Saturday, July 17, 2027. The matches will be co-hosted across East Africa by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
