Morocco’s Atlas Lions secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Gabon at the Grand Stade of Agadir, marking their qualification as hosts for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring in the 10th minute by successfully converting a penalty awarded after a foul on Abdessamad Ezzalzouli. Gabon had a chance to level the score shortly after, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s shot hit the post in the 16th minute.
Ziyech struck again in the 26th minute, converting another penalty after Soufiane Rahimi was fouled in the box, extending Morocco’s lead. Just before halftime, Aubameyang managed to reduce the deficit for Gabon with a penalty of his own.
In the second half, Brahim Diaz scored Morocco’s third goal in the 59th minute, showcasing their dominance. Ayoub El Kaabi further solidified their lead by scoring in the 82nd minute after coming on for Rahimi. As the hosts, Morocco will compete in Group B alongside Gabon, Central Africa, and Lesotho.
The final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2025) is scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
