Rabat – Morocco international Azzedine Ounahi has warned against underestimating any opponent in African football as the Atlas Lions prepare to host Gabon in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.
Speaking during Morocco’s final training session before the match, Ounahi stressed that even fixtures that may appear straightforward on paper can become difficult once the players take the field.
“Every match in Africa is difficult,” Ounahi said. “You can face an opponent you think will be easy, but when you get into the match, you find that it is difficult.”
The midfielder made Morocco’s objective for the opening qualifier clear, saying the team wants to begin the campaign with a victory in front of its home supporters.
“God willing, tomorrow we will play for the three points because when you start the qualifiers, it is better to start with three points,” he said.
“Thankfully, tomorrow we will play in front of our supporters, and God willing, we will get the three points.”
Morocco will face Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday, September 25, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. local time. The match is the first Group A fixture of Morocco’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
Ounahi welcomes Morocco’s new generation
Ounahi also addressed the integration of younger players into Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad after Morocco called up several emerging talents for the international window.
“The young players who arrive will also play for the national team for many years,” he said. “Adapting is easy for them because they are all Moroccan. In the national team, the doors are open to every player, and age is not a problem.”
He added that the more experienced members of the squad have been supporting the newcomers and helping them settle quickly.
“The players adapted to the group very quickly. We are behind them and supporting them, and tomorrow I hope they have a good match.”
Ouahbi named a 29-man squad that includes uncapped youngsters Abdellah Ouazane, Soufiane El-Faouzi and Yassir Zabiri. CAF described their inclusion as part of Morocco’s move to introduce younger talent into the senior team.
Morocco completed their final training session on Thursday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with SNRT reporting that the newcomers had integrated well into the group. Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari will miss the Gabon match through suspension.
After facing Gabon, the Atlas Lions will travel to Bloemfontein to meet Lesotho on September 29 in their second qualifier.
