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Morocco vs Gabon | Highlights | AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
The African champions made a strong start on the road to AFCON 2027. Noussair Mazraoui opened the scoring before Soufiane Rahimi doubled Morocco's lead against Gabon. Watch the goals and best moments.
Morocco opened its AFCON 2027 Qualifiers campaign with a victory over Gabon. Noussair Mazraoui broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, before Soufiane Rahimi struck in the 84th minute to make it 2-0 for the Atlas Lions.
The Atlas Lions are the reigning African champions, but the start of qualifying also represents the beginning of a new chapter. Mohamed Ouahbi will take charge of his first competitive senior international against Gabon and has chosen to combine much of Morocco's established core with an emerging generation.
There is change on the other side as well. Gabon will play its first competitive matches under Sébastien Migné without one of the country's biggest stars of the modern era: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who retired from international soccer following AFCON 2025.
The match will be played on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
How to watch Morocco vs. Gabon LIVE
The Group A Matchday 1 clash between Morocco and Gabon kicks off at 2:50 p.m. ET.
Fans can watch the match LIVE on beIN SPORTS.
Match details
- Match: Morocco vs. Gabon
- Competition: AFCON 2027 Qualifiers — Group A, Matchday 1
- Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
- Kickoff: 2:50 p.m. ET
- Stadium: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
- How to watch: LIVE on beIN SPORTS
How does Morocco enter the match?
Morocco begins qualifying as the reigning champion, but with one eye firmly on the future. Ouahbi included Abdellah Ouazane, Soufian El Faouzi and Yassir Zabiri in his 29-man squad for the international window.
One of the most eye-catching names is Ouazane. The 17-year-old Ajax prospect has been promoted to the senior setup as his rapid development continues and will now have an opportunity to compete for a place at the highest international level.
Zabiri earned his opportunity following his performances with Racing Santander, while El Faouzi has impressed at Schalke 04.
The arrival of younger players does not mean Morocco is abandoning its established core. Ouahbi retained several familiar names, with an attack featuring Brahim Diaz, Soufiane Rahimi and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
There are also opportunities for Yassine Gessime and Tawfik Bentayeb, while Ayyoub Bouaddi, Samir El Mourabet, Neil El Aynaoui and Oussama Targalline are among the midfield options.
The Gabon match carries additional significance because it will be Ouahbi's first competitive assignment in charge of Morocco's senior national team.
Morocco begins its title defense with a new generation
The start of qualifying also marks the beginning of Morocco's journey toward defending its African crown.
AFCON 2027 will be played from June 19 to July 17, 2027, across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, becoming the first edition of the tournament jointly hosted by three countries.
Before looking ahead to the finals, Morocco must navigate a qualifying campaign in which Ouahbi is already increasing competition for places.
The coach selected 10 defenders and eight midfielders, giving him plenty of options across the pitch during the international window.
One notable absentee is Younès Ebnoutalib, who is eligible to represent Morocco but has instead been called up by Germany.
How does Gabon enter the match?
Gabon also enters the qualifiers at the beginning of a new project. Sébastien Migné will oversee his first competitive matches as Panthers coach while facing the challenge of building his team without Aubameyang.
The French coach named 24 players for his first two matches. Following the difficult trip to Morocco on September 25, Gabon will face Niger four days later.
Experienced names including Denis Bouanga, Mario Lemina and Guélor Kanga remain in the squad and could play important roles during the transition.
The biggest question, however, is in attack.
Aubameyang ended his international career after AFCON 2025, leaving Gabon searching for a new attacking reference after years with the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward as one of its leading figures.
Denis Bouanga steps into a bigger role for Gabon
Aubameyang's departure inevitably creates an opportunity for other players to take on greater responsibility, and Denis Bouanga is among the leading candidates.
Bouanga is one of seven forwards selected by Migné alongside Shavy Babicka, Jim Allevinah, Teddy Andami, Orphé Mbina, Jordi Ella and Junior Effaghe.
Finding a new attacking formula without Aubameyang will be one of Migné's first major challenges, and his competitive debut could hardly be more demanding: an away match in Rabat against the reigning African champions.
When and where will AFCON 2027 be played?
The next Africa Cup of Nations will take place from June 19 through July 17, 2027.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will host the tournament, marking the first AFCON jointly organized by three countries.
Morocco's match against Gabon begins the road it hopes will lead back to the continental finals with the opportunity to defend its title.
What to know before Morocco vs. Gabon
- Morocco vs. Gabon will be played Friday, September 25 at 2:50 p.m. ET and will be available LIVE on beIN SPORTS.
- Reigning champion Morocco begins a new era under Mohamed Ouahbi, with 17-year-old Abdellah Ouazane among the young players brought into the squad.
- Gabon also starts a new chapter under Sébastien Migné and enters its first qualifying campaign following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's international retirement.
