AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Atlas Lions secure win against Gabon (2-0), Bounou keeps a clean sheet.

The Atlas Lions got their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign off to a perfect start with a 2-0 victory over Gabon on Friday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The win was secured thanks to goals from Noussair Mazraoui (36th minute) and Soufiane Rahimi (84th minute), as well as the alertness of Yassine Bounou, who made several crucial saves.

For this first match following the 2026 World Cup, national coach Mohamed Ouhabi decided to give opportunities to several young players.

Ali Maamar started on the right flank, replacing the suspended Achraf Hakimi. Yassir Zabiri played as the lone striker, while Yassine Gessime started on the right wing.

In defense, Nayef Aguerd reclaimed his spot in the center-back pairing alongside Issa Diop.

From the opening minutes, the Atlas Lions took control of the game, enjoying around 80% possession.

In the 11th minute, Azzeddine Ounahi created the first chance from the edge of the penalty area; his curling shot went just wide of Jean-Noël Amonome’s goal.

Five minutes later, the Panathinaikos midfielder once again penetrated the Gabonese defense, but, losing his footing at the crucial moment, he failed to hit the target.

In the 20th minute, Ezzalzouli utilized his pace on the left flank following a through-ball from Ounahi. However, his low cross was intercepted by the Gabonese goalkeeper. Playing in a compact formation, the Panthers refused to overcommit and primarily looked to play on the counter-attack.

In the 27th minute, after a series of passes just outside the Gabonese penalty area, Ounahi found the space to unleash another curling shot. This time, the ball struck the crossbar.

Sébastien Migné’s men registered their first shot on target in the 29th minute, though it failed to truly trouble the Moroccan defense.

It was not until the 36th minute that the Atlas Lions finally broke the deadlock.

Noussair Mazraoui fired a low shot that beat the Gabonese goalkeeper, giving Morocco the lead.

Early in the second half, the Gabonese side pushed forward more, creating two chances—notably through Bouanga. However, Moroccan pressure forced them to drop back to avoid conceding a second goal.

The Atlas Lions subsequently created several chances but lacked the finishing touch.

Mohamed Ouahbi made several substitutions, bringing on El Khannouss, Akhomach, Ouazzane, and Rahimi.

The former Raja Casablanca player, deployed as the lone striker in place of Zabiri, doubled the lead in the 84th minute off a pass from El Khannouss.

In the closing minutes, Yassine Bounou once again distinguished himself—as he had throughout the match—by making several superb saves, thereby preserving the Atlas Lions’ lead and keeping a clean sheet.

With this victory, the Atlas Lions have made an ideal start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign. They hold first place in Group A ahead of Niger, who had defeated Lesotho (2–1).

For the second matchday, scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, the national team will travel to Southern Africa to face Lesotho.