Morocco will face Lesotho at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Atlas Lions, led by coach Mohamed Ouahbi, are coming off a 2-0 victory over Gabon in their opening Group A match. Morocco currently leads the group on goal difference ahead of Niger, who also have three points. Lesotho, on the other hand, began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Niger.
The two teams have a history of competition, having met twice during the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign. Morocco won both matches, beating Lesotho 1-0 and 7-0, scoring eight goals without conceding. Morocco's team news indicates that defender Nayef Aguerd is the main confirmed absence from the squad due to injury. However, captain Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari are available again after serving their CAF suspensions against Gabon.
Lesotho has no major fitness concerns reported following their opening defeat to Niger, giving coach Bob Mafoso a largely complete squad for the match. Lesotho's key player, Sera Motebang, scored against Niger and will be a threat to Morocco's defense. Morocco's likely starting lineup includes Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Halhal, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi, Ounahi; Brahim Diaz, Saibari, Ezzalzouli.
The match will be broadcast on beIN Sports, including beIN Sports' digital platforms, and other listed broadcasters in African markets, including Canal+ Afrique, SuperSport, and SABC Sport. The kick-off is set for 1:00 p.m. GMT Morocco time / 3:00 p.m. South Africa time. Morocco's recent form has been positive, with a controlled 2-0 win over Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Lesotho's recent form has been less impressive, with a 2-1 loss to Niger in their first Group A qualifier. However, coach Bob Mafoso described the meeting with Morocco as an opportunity for his players to test themselves against one of Africa's leading national teams. Lesotho's likely starting lineup includes Moerane; Koaeane, Mokokoane, Makhele, Makhetha, Falene; Sefali, Fothoane, Toloane, Mokhachane; Motebang.
Morocco's coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, has urged his players to respect their opponents, work hard, and avoid using the conditions in South Africa as an excuse. A victory would move Morocco to six points from their opening two qualifiers and strengthen their position in Group A before the campaign resumes in November. Morocco's previous record against Lesotho is dominant, but Ouahbi is cautious about the upcoming match.
The match is expected to be a challenging one for Lesotho, as they face a stronger Moroccan squad that will likely control possession. However, Lesotho showed against Niger that they can improve as matches progress, and Morocco will want to avoid allowing them to remain within striking distance. The predicted lineup for Morocco and Lesotho has been announced, with key players like Hakimi, Saibari, and Motebang expected to make an impact.
Key points
- Morocco leads Group A with three points, ahead of Niger on goal difference.
- Lesotho began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Niger.
- Morocco's likely starting lineup includes Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Halhal, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi, Ounahi; Brahim Diaz, Saibari, Ezzalzouli.
