Morocco vs Lesotho: Match Preview, Team News, Predicted Lineup

Rabat – Morocco faces Lesotho on Monday in their next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. After a commanding win over Gabon, the Atlas Lions will be brimming with confidence.

The 5-1 victory against Gabon was more than just a big win. It was a statement. Morocco fumbled during the first quarter of the first half, but dominated the game from the moment Gabon’s Denis Bouanga scored a right-footed shot from the left side of the box to the top corner.

In the 17th minute, Jamal Harkass led the comeback. The Wydad defender headed the ball into the net after a pinpoint cross from Eliesse Ben Sghir. Two minutes later, Ibrahim Diaz netted two tap-ins in three minutes showing great positioning and a strong flair for loose balls on set pieces.

As Morocco prepares to face Lesotho, two players stand out as potential game-changers: Ismael Saibari and Soufian Rahimi.

Saibari was on fire in the 5-1 victory over Gabon. The PSV Eindhoven dribbling midfielder made an instant impact the moment he was introduced in the 80th minute. Saibari slid a sublime pass to a sprinting Youssef En-Nesyri who tapped it in with a left-footed shot from the center of the box to the center of the goal.

Moments later, Saibari capped the night with a dazzling goal, after he darted his way past two defenders before slamming the balls past the Gabonese goalkeeper.

Saibari’s versatility adds a dynamic edge to Morocco’s attack. He can operate as a playmaker or push forward from the left wing into scoring positions, keeping defenders guessing. Against Lesotho, where they are likely to sit deep with a low defensive block, Saibari’s quick feet and shrewd creativity could be crucial in unlocking the opposition.

However, coach Walid Regragui may see Saibari as just a super-sub. His ability to impact the game from the bench gives Morocco a tactical advantage, allowing them to change the tempo late in matches against defenders on their last legs and might prove decisive if the game remains tight.

Meanwhile, Soufiane Rahimi is back after he purged his suspension against Gabon. The wide forward has become a key player in Morocco’s attacking setup in recent games.

The 28-year-old is known for his speed, agility, and ability to stretch defenses. Also, Rahimi and Hakimi add directness that can unsettle defenses. The duo form a lethal partnership down the right wing as Achraf Hakimi thrives on overlapping runs, which could be vital against a disciplined Lesotho side.

In this context, Lesotho may not boast the same status as Gabon, but they shouldn’t be underestimated. Teams like Lesotho often adopt defensive tactics to frustrate more dominant opponents. Morocco will need to stay patient and avoid complacency. Breaking through a packed defense might require smart passing, quick movement, and set-piece precision.

Regragui now faces a dilemma. With Saibari delivering off the bench and Rahimi returning, Morocco’s attacking options are stacked. The combination of Rahimi’s directness and Brahim’s creativity could be pivotal in breaking Lesotho’s defense.

The Moroccan coach might start Rahimi to set the tone early to drag defenders out of position and create pockets of space for El Kaabi and Hakimi to exploit.

On the other hand, Eliesse Ben Sghir and Azzedine Ounahi might also prove pivotal against teams parking the bus, with their quick feet and creative play to overwhelm Lesotho’s defense and feed pass-throughs to attackers.

Predicted Lineup

Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Jamal Harkass, Adam Masina, Adam Aznou; Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Diaz; Soufiane Rahimi, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Ayoub EL Kaabi.

The Lesotho game is more than just another qualifier. It’s an opportunity for Regragui to give minutes to budding talents, tweak defending tactics and build momentum.