Morocco vs Gabon: Opening Match of the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers

Morocco and Gabon will take the field this Friday, September 25, at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat for the first round of Group A in the 2027 African Nations Cup qualifiers. The clash marks the start of the race for spots in the continental tournament and has therefore become a focal point of online searches.

Why Morocco is the favorite

The Moroccan side arrives as the highest‑ranked team in the group, sitting sixth in the FIFA rankings. The squad retains the core that reached the quarter‑finals of the 2026 World Cup, where they were eliminated by France. In their last ten games, including friendlies and the World Cup, Morocco recorded six wins, three draws and just one loss.

Despite the suspensions of Achraf Hakimi and Ismaël Saibari, and injuries to Ayoub El Kaabi and Chadi Riad, coach Mohamed Ouahbi sticks with a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation featuring Bounou; Mazraoui, Issa Diop, Aguerd and Salah‑Eddine; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Brahim Díaz, Ounahi, Ezzalzouli; Soufiane Rahimi.

Gabon’s challenges in the new phase

Gabon is led by Sébastien Migné, who makes his debut in an official match. The team has not won in five games, accumulating four defeats and one draw while conceding 12 goals in that span. The retirement of Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang from the national team at the end of 2025 removes their main offensive reference.

Denis Bouanga steps into a larger attacking role alongside Shavy Babicka, Orphé Mbina and Rody Junior Effaghe. The likely 4‑3‑3 lineup includes Bekale; Anthony Oyono, Aaron Appindangoyé, Urie‑Michel Mboula, Jacques Ekomié; Ibrahim Ndong, André Poko, Guélor Kanga; Denis Bouanga, Shavy Babicka, Teddy Averlant.

Recent head‑to‑head history

Morocco and Gabon have met 12 times since 2006, with each side winning four matches and four draws. In the two most recent encounters, Morocco triumphed 5‑1 in November 2024 and 4‑1 in September of the same year, both in AFCON qualifying.

How the duel may unfold

With Morocco controlling possession in the final third and looking for quick exchanges among the attacking midfielders, Ouahbi’s side is expected to press Gabon from the start. Hakimi’s absence could reduce the depth of the right flank, requiring greater support from Brahim Díaz in that area.

Gabon, on the other hand, is likely to organize a compact defense, possibly shifting to a five‑man back line by dropping midfielders Ndong and Poko deeper. Bouanga is expected to operate wide on the left, cutting inside and seeking mid‑range shots, while the attack aims to exploit counter‑attacks.

Expectations for the result

Given Morocco’s favoritism, recent form and Gabon’s defensive fragility, the trend points toward a clear win for the hosts. Nevertheless, the match will serve as a test for Gabon’s new coach and for Morocco’s ability to cope with absences without losing competitive rhythm.

Sources: LANCE!, VAVEL.com, OneFootball.