Lesotho v Morocco: AFCON 2027 qualifier preview at Free State Stadium
Lesotho and Morocco will meet at the Free State Stadium on September 29 in their second match of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Lesotho began the campaign with a 1-2 defeat to Niger while Morocco opened with a 2-0 victory over Gabon.
Lesotho’s start to qualifying has fallen short of expectations as Bob Mafoso’s side managed only one goal in their opener and failed to convert several chances in the final third. The Crocodiles’ finishing was flagged as an issue after the 1-2 loss to Niger, and the team faces a stern test against one of Africa’s stronger sides. Morocco, led by Mohamed Ouahbi, carried control and attacking accuracy into their opening win and appear confident despite being the away team. The visitors’ squad depth was noted as providing them a slight edge heading into the match.
Morocco’s 2-0 win over Gabon was described as a controlled performance with the Atlas Lions strong in attack from the outset. The report states that Morocco were ‘‘on point with their performance on the attacking front’’ in that fixture. Mohamed Ouahbi’s side travel to the Free State Stadium believing they can impose their style away from home. The article explicitly says Morocco will have a slight edge over Lesotho owing to better squad quality.
Sera Motebang was Lesotho’s only scorer in the 1-2 defeat to Niger, having won the penalty and converted it. The piece records Motebang as 31 years old, taking the most shots (5) and registering the most touches (11) inside the opposition box. For Morocco, Azzedine Ounahi did not score in the opener but was listed among the top performers for his team, with work rate cited as important in midfield and attack. Ounahi is recorded as 26 years old and completed the most dribbles (4) in Morocco’s match.
All selected squad members for both Lesotho and Morocco are reported to be available for the match. Lesotho’s listed XI: Moerane (GK); Falene, Makhetha, Makhele, Mokokoane, Koaeane; Mokhachane, Toloane, Fothoane, Sefali; Motebang. Morocco’s listed XI: Bounou (GK); Hakimi, Diop, Aguerd, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Yassine, Ounahi, Ezzalzouli; Rahimi.
The Morocco camp posted: أول حصة تدريبية لمنتخبنا الوطني بجنوب إفريقيا استعدادًا لمواجهة ليسوتو First training session in South Africa ahead of Lesotho #DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/Z2BaWX9l9d. The preview notes that Lesotho will seek to use home advantage, but expects Morocco to dominate and ‘‘might come out on top and secure a win’’ in the qualifier.
Fans can watch the fixture live through beIN Sports and SNRT, with regional providers listed as Nigeria: Canal+, Sport 1 Afrique and USA: beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT. This clash takes place at the Free State Stadium on September 29.
