AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Atlas Lions kick off campaign against Gabon in Rabat

Morocco’s national football team opens a new chapter as the Morocco AFCON 2027 qualifiers campaign begins in Rabat with a symbolic clash against Gabon, closely followed both at home and across the Moroccan communities abroad.

Morocco AFCON 2027 qualifiers start at home against Gabon

Morocco host Gabon at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat for matchday one of Group A in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. GMT, a convenient time for many Moroccans living in Europe, who are used to gathering with family and friends to watch the national team.

The Atlas Lions share the group with Niger and Lesotho. Morocco will start at home against Gabon, then travel to South Africa on Tuesday 29 September to face Lesotho in the second group match.

First official outing since the 2026 World Cup

This match against Gabon is Morocco’s first official appearance since the 2026 World Cup. For many Moroccans living abroad, the national team remains a powerful emotional link with the country, especially during major competitions.

This opening game is also a chance to measure the team’s momentum after the World Cup, in a competition format fans know well. Qualifying for AFCON 2027 is a key target, not only for the image of Moroccan football but also for the shared pride of Moroccans worldwide.

A refreshed squad mixing returns, youth and key absences

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has called up 29 players for this international window. Among them is the return of defender Nayef Aguerd, a key figure in the squad.

Several young talents have also been included, such as Soufiane El-Faouzi, Yassir Zabiri, Tawfik Bentayeb and Abdellah Ouazane. This focus on a new generation is closely watched by young Moroccans born or settled abroad, who follow the rise of new faces in the national shirt.

Morocco must, however, cope with several major absences:

• Achraf Hakimi, suspended for this match;
• Ismael Saibari, also suspended;
• Ayoub El Kaabi, out injured;
• Chadi Riad, also sidelined by injury.

These absences force the coaching staff to test alternative options from the very start of the Morocco AFCON 2027 qualifiers, which could give new players a chance to step up.

An opponent in transition after Aubameyang’s international retirement

On the other side, Gabon arrive in Rabat in a period of transition. The team is learning to move on from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The iconic forward, former captain and long-time leader of the Panthers, has announced his international retirement, ending his journey with the national team.

The two teams know each other well, having met several times in the past in tightly contested matches. This new encounter in Rabat promises to be a serious test for the Atlas Lions, who will want to start their qualifying campaign in the best possible way.

A key moment for Moroccans around the world

As with recent major tournaments, many Moroccans in Europe, North America and the Gulf are expected to gather to watch this opening game. Whether in cafés, community associations or living rooms, these matches often become shared moments of celebration and connection with the homeland.

For those planning a trip to Morocco, a fixture at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium can also be a highlight of their stay, with the lively atmosphere that now follows the Atlas Lions.

With further games against Niger and Lesotho to come, this Morocco–Gabon clash will set the tone for the road to AFCON 2027 and mark the beginning of a new chapter for the national team.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.