The Atlas Lions begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in Rabat on Friday, opening a new competitive chapter under Mohamed Ouahbi.
Morocco face Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 Moroccan time.
The match is the Atlas Lions’ opening fixture in Group A of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
It is also Morocco’s first competitive match since the 2026 World Cup and the beginning of a new phase under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi. Several young players have entered the senior squad, while Gabon arrive with a new coach and important changes of their own.
MATCH INFORMATION
Match: Morocco vs Gabon
Date: Friday, 25 September 2026
Kick-off: 19:00 Moroccan time
Stadium: Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Rabat
Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying — Group A
Official ticket platform: Webook website and mobile application
Confirmed Moroccan broadcaster: Arryadia TNT
Television coverage: Pre-match programme from 17:00; live match coverage from 18:50
Why This Match Matters
Friday’s match is the first of six scheduled qualifiers for Morocco in a group that also includes Niger and Lesotho.
A positive opening result would provide early momentum before the Atlas Lions travel to South Africa for their second qualifier only four days later. More broadly, the campaign gives Morocco an opportunity to build towards another major tournament while gradually renewing a squad that continues to carry high expectations.
Ouahbi has inherited an experienced international core, but the selection for this window indicates that reputation alone will not determine places. The challenge is to combine Morocco’s established players with an emerging generation capable of strengthening competition throughout the squad.
Gabon provide a meaningful first examination. The Panthers are undergoing their own transition, but they retain experienced internationals and begin the campaign with the same objective: securing one of the group’s qualifying places.
A New Chapter for Morocco
Ouahbi has included Abdellah Ouazane, Soufian El Faouzi and Yassir Zabiri in a senior squad for the first time.
Their selection reflects Morocco’s expanding pool of young players rather than a complete break with the previous cycle. The newcomers will train alongside experienced internationals and compete for opportunities in a group where no place can be treated as automatic.
A first senior call-up does not necessarily mean that all three will feature against Gabon. However, their inclusion provides an early indication of Ouahbi’s willingness to reward development and current form.
Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is not part of the squad after making himself unavailable for this international window. Ouahbi has said there is no personal dispute and that the door to a future return remains open.
No official starting line-up had been released before publication. Any teams circulating online ahead of the formal announcement should therefore be treated as unofficial.
What Gabon Brings to Rabat
Gabon are beginning a new phase under Sébastien Migné, who was appointed national coach during the summer.
The Panthers will play without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the country’s record goalscorer announced his retirement from international football. His departure removes one of the most recognisable figures in Gabonese football, but the visitors still possess considerable experience.
Denis Bouanga remains a prominent attacking threat, while Guélor Kanga, Didier Ndong and André Poko provide experience in midfield.
Gabon’s plans have nevertheless been affected by two withdrawals since the original squad was announced. Captain Mario Lemina and forward Jim Allevinah have been ruled out through injury. Clech Loufilou and Randy Essang Matouti were called up as their respective replacements.
Those absences require Migné to adjust his group before his first competitive match in charge. They do not, however, alter the need for Morocco to approach Gabon as a serious opponent capable of testing the hosts in their opening qualifier.
Tickets and Stadium Access
Tickets are officially sold through the Webook website and Webook mobile application.
The announced categories and prices are:
Third category: MAD 100
Second category: MAD 200
First category: MAD 300
Hospitality lounge: MAD 1,000
VIP stand: MAD 1,500
VVIP stand: MAD 2,000
Private skybox: MAD 20,000
Each ticket provides a numbered seat. Availability may change as bookings are completed, so supporters should consult Webook directly for the latest information rather than relying on earlier advertisements or screenshots.
Tickets should be purchased only through the official platform or application. Supporters using unofficial sellers risk receiving invalid, duplicated or incorrectly transferred tickets.
Visitors should check the entrance, section and seat number shown on their booking before travelling. They should also keep their ticket and any identification requested by the organiser readily accessible.
Supporters are advised to arrive well before kick-off to allow sufficient time for transport, entrance procedures and locating their allocated seats. Any final access instructions issued by Webook, the Moroccan football federation or stadium officials should take precedence over general guidance.
How to Watch
SNRT’s official programme confirms that the match will be broadcast live in Morocco on Arryadia TNT.
Arryadia’s pre-match studio coverage is scheduled to begin at 17:00, followed by live match coverage from 18:50. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00.
The TNT designation means the confirmed Moroccan broadcast is available through Arryadia’s digital terrestrial television service. SNRT had not confirmed a free official online livestream before publication.
Broadcast rights can differ between countries. Viewers outside Morocco should check the schedule of the official rights holder in their location, as television subscriptions and online services may be subject to geographical restrictions.
What Comes Next
Morocco’s second Group A qualifier is scheduled for Tuesday, 29 September, against Lesotho at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Lesotho will be the designated home team.
The short interval between the two fixtures gives Morocco little time to recover or make major adjustments.
Friday night in Rabat is therefore more than a return to international action. It is the first competitive test of how Ouahbi intends to balance continuity, merit and renewal as Morocco begins its route towards AFCON 2027.