Morocco set for Gabon test as Mohamed Ouahbi weighs experienced line-up

Morocco begin their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign against Gabon on Friday, 25 September 2026, with Mohamed Ouahbi expected to select a side built around experience and defensive strength.

Yassine Bounou is set to start in goal, while Issa Diop and Nayef Aguerd are likely to form the central defensive partnership. Noussair Mazraoui and Anass Salah-Eddine should provide width and support in attack from the full-back positions.

Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi are expected to anchor the midfield, giving Azzedine Ounahi the freedom to influence the game further forward. Brahim Diaz and Abde Ezzalzouli are also likely to operate in attacking midfield positions.

Ismael Saibari could lead the line, with the selection indicating a preference for a mobile and technically gifted forward rather than a traditional penalty-box striker.

Morocco probable XI

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou

Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Issa Diop, Nayef Aguerd, Anass Salah-Eddine

Defensive midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi

Attacking midfielders: Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Abde Ezzalzouli

Forward: Ismael Saibari

Gabon are expected to approach the match with a pragmatic and experienced line-up under Sebastien Migne. Junior Bekale is in contention to start in goal, having been favoured for his consistency.

Anthony Oyono, Aaron Appindangoye, Michel Mboula and Jacques Ekomie are the likely defenders, with Appindangoye and Mboula expected to provide leadership and strength at the heart of the back line.

The Gabonese midfield will be without Mario Lemina, who is injured. Guelor Kanga, Didier Ibrahim Ndong and Andre Poko are expected to form a three-man unit combining ball recovery with technical ability.

Denis Bouanga remains Gabon’s principal attacking threat. He could be supported by Shavy Babicka and Teddy Averlant, whose pace may offer an outlet on the counter-attack against the Atlas Lions.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not feature after deciding to put his international career on hold, leaving Bouanga and Gabon’s other forwards to carry the attacking responsibility.

Gabon probable XI

Goalkeeper: Junior Bekale

Defenders: Anthony Oyono, Aaron Appindangoye, Michel Mboula, Jacques Ekomie

Midfielders: Guelor Kanga, Didier Ibrahim Ndong, Andre Poko

Forwards: Denis Bouanga, Shavy Babicka, Teddy Averlant

The match is the opening fixture of the two teams’ CAN 2027 qualifying campaigns, with Morocco seeking to make a strong start and Gabon relying on a disciplined approach and the pace of their forward line.