Morocco v Gabon: AFCON 2027 qualifier preview and lineups
Morocco will face Gabon in their opening Group match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on September 25 (BST). Both nations have named full squads and broadcasters listed for the fixture include beIN SPORTS en Español and fuboTV.
The Mohamed Ouahbi-led Morocco side comes into the qualifier after reaching the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they were eliminated by Kylian Mbappe’s France, and will begin their Africa Cup of Nations title defence in this group-stage meeting; some reports also list the game as taking place at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah. Morocco’s home status and perceived squad depth are cited as advantages for the Atlas Lions.
Gabon, coached by Sebastien Migne, are returning to action for the first time since March 2026 and arrive off a poor run of results, having suffered four defeats in their last five matches; the Panthers are described as being under pressure ahead of this qualifier. Migne’s side have been tasked with attempting to control the game from the outset.
Ismaël Saibari is singled out in the preview after delivering top-notch performances for Morocco at the FIFA World Cup 2026; the piece notes he can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a striker and that, "with the ball at his feet, he is going to be a constant threat to the opponents." The article also states the 31-year-old will be one of the main men in the final third for the Gabon national football team and adds that he continues to perform well for his club, Los Angeles FC, in the MLS.
The published lineups and selected squads are listed in full: Morocco — Bounou (GK); Hakimi, Diop, Aguerd, Salah-Eddine; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Diaz, Saibari, Ezzalzouli; Rahimi. Gabon — Bekale (GK); Anthony Oyono, Mboula, Mantsounga, Ndinga; Lemina, Kanga, Ndong; Andami, Mbina, Bouanga. The preview states all selected squad members for both sides are set to be in action.
Preview commentary included a prediction favouring Morocco, citing home advantage and superior squad quality as reasons the Atlas Lions should have a slight edge, while noting Gabon will look to put up a fight but might struggle; the article concludes Morocco are likely to secure a win. Country-specific broadcast listings provided were: Nigeria — Canal+, Sport 1 Afrique; Gabon — Canal+, Sport 3 Afrique, Gabon 1ère; Morocco — beIN Sports HD 3, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, Arryadia TNT, TOD, SNRT Live; USA — beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS C.
The qualifier is scheduled for September 25 (BST) at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, with live coverage available via beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV and beIN SPORTS CONNECT, and it serves as the opening match for Morocco’s defence of their Africa Cup of Nations crown.
