Lesotho – Morocco: Lions win 2-0 and continue their perfect run

Morocco is continuing its perfect start in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Following their victory against Gabon, the Atlas Lions dominated Lesotho (2-0) on Tuesday at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, thanks to goals from Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi.

Mohamed Ouahbi made significant changes to his starting eleven with six alterations compared to the first match. Brahim Díaz and Ismaël Saibari notably returned to the starting lineup, while Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal made his first start with the senior team alongside Issa Diop in central defense. Oussama Targhalline and Zakaria El Ouahdi also started the match.

Facing a low and compact block, Morocco largely monopolized possession but struggled with precision in the final third for a long time. Ounahi attempted a long-range shot, Issa Diop posed a threat with a header from a free kick, while Brahim Díaz also came close to opening the scoring after a well-placed control in the box.

The breakthrough finally came just before halftime. On a ball played centrally by Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Díaz perfectly exploited the space to deceive the Lesotho goalkeeper with his left foot, allowing the Lions to head into the locker room with a one-goal advantage.

Morocco maintained control upon returning from the break but was unable to immediately extend their lead. Mohamed Ouahbi then adjusted his formation with the introductions of Achraf Hakimi, Soufiane Rahimi, and Abde Ezzalzouli, notably switching to a diamond midfield. Noussair Mazraoui, Brahim Díaz, and Neil El Aynaoui left the pitch.

The second goal came in the 82nd minute following a collective action. Bilal El Khannouss launched Soufiane Rahimi into space, before the Al Ain forward set up Azzedine Ounahi for a back pass. The Moroccan midfielder finished the move to secure the Lions’ victory.

With two wins from two matches, four goals scored and none conceded, Morocco now has six points in Group A. The Atlas Lions will now return to Morocco ahead of their next appointment, a friendly match against Ghana scheduled for October 4 in Tangier.