Morocco maintain perfect start to CAN 2027 qualifying with win over Lesotho

Morocco strengthened their position at the top of Group A in the CAN 2027 qualifiers with a 2-0 victory over Lesotho at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Tuesday.

The result gives Mohamed Ouahbi’s side six points from their opening two matches, following Friday’s 2-0 win against Gabon in Rabat. Morocco are now waiting for the outcome of Gabon’s match against Niger.

Morocco controlled much of the game against a determined but limited Lesotho side, although difficult conditions made it hard for the visitors to turn their dominance into goals. The pitch at the Free State Stadium was uneven, affecting the quality of play and contributing to a scrappy contest.

Brahim Diaz finally broke the deadlock just before half-time, giving Morocco a deserved lead after they had created several opportunities.

The Atlas Lions continued to press for a second goal after the interval but were forced to wait until the closing stages to secure the result. Azzedine Ounahi doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute with a precise side-footed finish.

The goal was Ounahi’s 12th for Morocco at international level.

The only setback for the visitors was an injury suffered by Noussair Mazraoui, who was forced to leave the pitch during the second half.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, who had been suspended, came on as a substitute as his side completed another controlled performance in qualifying.

Abdeslam Laghrissi had predicted the outcome, saying: “Morocco will beat Lesotho 2-0.”

With two wins from two matches, Morocco remain firmly in control of Group A as their campaign towards CAN 2027 continues.