Morocco kicked off their CAN 2025 qualifying campaign in dominant fashion. Already qualified as the host nation, the Atlas Lions overpowered Gabon 4-1 this Friday evening at Agadir’s Grand Stadium.
Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring in the 10th minute, converting a penalty earned by Abdessamad Ezzalzouli. Gabon had the chance to equalize in the 16th minute with a penalty from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but he hit the post.
A second penalty was awarded to Morocco after Soufiane Rahimi was fouled in the box, allowing Ziyech to score again in the 26th minute, doubling Morocco’s lead.
Gabon’s Panthers pulled one back five minutes before halftime, with Aubameyang successfully converting a penalty. In the second half, Brahim Diaz extended Morocco’s lead in the 59th minute. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi, who replaced Rahimi, sealed the game with a fourth goal in the 82nd minute.
Already through as the host nation, Morocco is placed in Group B alongside Gabon, Central African Republic, and Lesotho. The CAN 2025 finals will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
