Gabon is prepared and optimistic ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Morocco.
Despite Gabon’s modest FIFA ranking (83rd), the team remains a strong contender, boasting talents like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who can turn the game with a single moment of brilliance. However, Morocco’s strength and attacking prowess make them the favorites, especially with the advantage of playing at home.
Thierry Mouyouma, head coach of the Gabonese national team, emphasizes that his squad is determined to secure a spot in CAN 2025.
“We are a team in reconstruction, but we have a clear project and ambition, which is to qualify for CAN 2025. To achieve that, we need to start our campaign strongly tomorrow. It’s up to us to get a positive result here to keep our chances alive”, Mouyouma stated.
While Morocco enters the match as the favorite, Gabon has a history of pulling off surprises. The last time the Panthers played in Morocco, they secured a thrilling 3-2 victory five years ago. However, the Atlas Lions have evolved since then, remaining unbeaten at home since that defeat and climbing the ranks to become one of the world’s top national teams.
Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, has been focusing on drills and tactical preparations ahead of the match. “We aim to identify teams that could challenge us and observe the different styles of our opponents. Both Gabon and Lesotho are competing for AFCON qualification, so these matches will be tough. However, we must use them to prepare for World Cup qualifiers in March”, he explained.
The Atlas Lions are in high spirits, with their sights set on a strong start in Group B. Their first match is set for Friday, September 6, at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, and Regragui is expected to field a strong lineup. He will likely rely on experienced players to build team chemistry, making only a few adjustments from the squad that defeated the Republic of Congo last June.