Morocco's national team kicked off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday, September 25, 2026. The win was marked by goals from Noussair Mazraoui in the 36th minute and Soufiane Rahimi in the 84th minute. The match was part of the first round of qualifiers, and Morocco's performance was a significant statement ahead of their next encounter against Lesotho.
According to Sofascore ratings, which assess player performance based on various statistics such as goals, assists, possession, shots, and tackles, several Moroccan players stood out. Noussair Mazraoui, who scored the opening goal, received a high rating of 8.2, while Soufiane Rahimi, who netted the second goal, also impressed with his impactful substitution. Additionally, Bilal El Khannous, who provided the assist for Rahimi's goal, was among the top performers.
The match also saw Morocco's national team coach, Walid Regragui, make several substitutions, introducing players like Ali Maamer, Eliass Akhomach, Abdallah Bouzian, and Yasser Zaber in the second half. This allowed Regragui to assess his squad's depth and provide opportunities for fringe players to showcase their skills. The coach's strategy seemed to pay off, as the team maintained their momentum and secured a clean sheet.
Sofascore ratings take into account a range of individual and team statistics, providing a comprehensive assessment of player performance. The ratings are not solely based on goals and assists but also consider other key metrics such as possession, shots on target, and defensive contributions. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of each player's impact on the game.
The top-rated players for Morocco in the match were Nayef Aguerd with a rating of 8.4, followed closely by Noussair Mazraoui with an 8.2 rating. Ayoub Bouaddi and Azzedine Ounahi both received ratings of 8, reflecting their solid performances. On the other hand, Ali Maamer and Yasser Zaber, who were introduced as substitutes, received lower ratings.
Morocco's next match in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers is against Lesotho on September 29, 2026, in South Africa. The team will look to build on their momentum and secure another win to top their qualifying group. The match will provide an opportunity for Regragui to fine-tune his team's strategy and make further assessments of his players.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers continue to be a significant focus for Morocco's national team, with the team aiming to make a strong impression and advance to the tournament. The team's performance against Gabon was a positive start, and they will seek to maintain their form in the upcoming matches.
Key points
- Morocco secured a 2-0 win against Gabon in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
- Sofascore ratings highlighted strong performances from several Moroccan players, including Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi.
- Morocco's next match in the qualifiers is against Lesotho on September 29, 2026.
