Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign began with a statement of intent, as the reigning champions dispatched Gabon 2-0 in Rabat, with Soufiane Rahimi’s late equaliser proving decisive. The Atlas Lions, still nursing World Cup wounds from their quarter-final exit to France, turned the tables on a struggling Gabon side, who had failed to score in their opening match against Comoros. Rahimi’s 15th international goal—scored off the bench in the 87th minute—was a moment of quiet defiance, particularly after he had been denied earlier in the campaign. His shin guard bore the image of his late father, a tribute that underscored the emotional weight of this victory, which now propels Morocco toward their title defence with confidence.
The match’s narrative shifted dramatically in the second half, when Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi combined to break Gabon’s backline. Diaz’s composed finish after a VAR-reviewed penalty decision—initially ruled out for a dubious handling call—set the tone for Morocco’s dominance. The Atlas Lions’ midfield, anchored by Mazraoui’s defensive solidity, controlled possession and dictated tempo, while Gabon’s frontmen struggled to find rhythm. The 36th-minute opener from Mazraoui, a Manchester United defender who thrives on physicality, exposed Gabon’s vulnerability, and the second goal sealed the result before the final whistle. The crowd’s frustration at Morocco’s earlier struggles was palpable, but the late equaliser silenced critics and reaffirmed the team’s depth.
Across the continent, Egypt’s campaign faced a different kind of test. Mohamed Salah and his teammates were held to a goalless draw by Angola in a match that saw possession and creativity go unrewarded. The Bafana Bafana’s defensive organisation, led by former Senegal coach Aliou Cissé, stifled Salah’s creativity and neutralised Egypt’s attacking threats. The Pharaohs’ second-half resilience—culminating in a late Salah strike against Zimbabwe—was overshadowed by this qualifying setback, where Angola’s backline, led by Nathan Gassama’s disciplined defence, denied Egypt any clear chances. The VAR intervention in Morocco’s game highlighted the high stakes of these matches, where split-second decisions can alter the trajectory of a campaign.
Morocco’s victory wasn’t just about goals—it was about control. The Atlas Lions’ ability to transition from defence to attack with precision, combined with Rahimi’s clutch performance, signals a team ready to challenge for the 2027 title. Meanwhile, Egypt’s struggles against Angola underscore the unpredictability of qualifying football, where even the most decorated sides can be tested by disciplined opposition. With the next round looming, Morocco’s opening statement has set a benchmark, while Egypt’s campaign will need a sharper edge to match their star power with results.
