Tuesday 29 September 2026

AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Ouahbi praises Atlas Lions’ discipline after Lesotho win

This update focuses on Morocco Lesotho AFCON 2027. Morocco’s national football team has made a perfect start to the AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a 2–0 win against Lesotho, a result coach Mohamed Ouahbi credits to his players’ discipline and focus.

Morocco Lesotho AFCON 2027: doing the job early

Speaking after this second-round qualifier, Mohamed Ouahbi expressed satisfaction with both the scoreline and the team’s mindset. The win takes Morocco to six points from two games, an ideal scenario at this stage of the campaign.

The coach underlined that the target was simple: secure three more points and strengthen Morocco’s position at the top of the group. That mission is accomplished, even if the performance was more efficient than spectacular.

Difficult conditions against Lesotho

In his post-match press conference, Ouahbi acknowledged that the clash with Lesotho was far from a formality. Match conditions weighed on the Atlas Lions’ performance, especially the state of the pitch, which he felt did not allow for fluid football.

According to the coach, the pitch prevented Morocco from playing its usual passing game. The players had to adapt, simplify their approach and show realism to avoid taking unnecessary risks.

For Moroccan fans around the world, including those living abroad who follow the national team closely, this win shows the squad’s ability to handle tricky environments — a key factor in African qualifying campaigns.

Discipline, playing time and a positive trend

Beyond the result, Mohamed Ouahbi chose to focus on his players’ attitude. He praised their “strong concentration and a lot of discipline” throughout the match. In his view, an early goal would have made control easier, but Morocco stayed solid and kept a clean sheet.

For Ouahbi, this Morocco Lesotho AFCON 2027 fixture was especially useful for team building. Several players logged valuable minutes, giving the coaching staff more options for upcoming games. That rotation helps broaden the squad’s core and prepare for future challenges.

The coach believes the national team is moving on an upward curve. He noted several positives over the first two qualifiers, while admitting that some areas still need work and adjustments before the next tests.

Next up: a double header against Niger

The schedule remains demanding. Morocco will now face Niger twice before meeting Gabon again in these AFCON 2027 qualifiers. For the staff, these matches are an opportunity to keep strengthening cohesion and balance within the team.

Ouahbi insists on maintaining the same level of focus:

  • staying concentrated over the full 90 minutes;
  • building on the six points already collected;
  • continuing individual and collective progress within the squad.

According to the coach, taking six points early on provides a solid base for the rest of the campaign, but leaves no room for complacency.

A reassuring message for Moroccan fans abroad

For Moroccans living abroad, who remain strongly attached to the Atlas Lions’ journey, this successful start to the AFCON 2027 qualifiers is reassuring. It confirms that the team can negotiate difficult matches, even away from familiar conditions.

The road to AFCON 2027 is still long, but this victory over Lesotho sends a clear message: under Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco is advancing with seriousness, structure and ambition.

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

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

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