Morocco cruises to 5-1 win over Gabon in AFCON 2025 qualifiers

The Moroccan nationwide group delivered a commanding 5-1 victory on Friday, November 15, on the stadium within the metropolis of Franceville, beating Gabon within the fifth spherical of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The match, which had no stakes since each groups had already certified for the event, gave the Lions of the Atlas an opportunity to showcase their energy.

The match started poorly for Morocco, conceding an early purpose within the fifth minute from Denis Bouanga. The Moroccan protection was shaky early on, they usually have been lucky when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang practically doubled the lead for Gabon within the eighth minute, however his purpose was dominated out for offside.

After some preliminary defensive struggles, the Moroccan offense discovered its rhythm, and Jamal Harkass scored the equalizer within the seventeenth minute, marking his first purpose for the nationwide group.

The early setback appeared to energise Walid Regragui’s males, who took the lead within the twenty first minute by means of Brahim Diaz. The Real Madrid ahead then struck once more simply two minutes later, finishing a quickfire brace.

Gabon tried to rally earlier than halftime however was thwarted by Nayef Aguerd, who made an important clearance off the road, stopping the ball from crossing into the web. Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, additionally performed a key position in protecting the rating intact earlier than the break.

Gabon got here out attacking within the second half, however the Lions of the Atlas shortly regained management. They got here near a fourth purpose, with Achraf Hakimi combining properly with Brahim Diaz, however the likelihood was missed. Ayoub El Kaabi additionally got here shut moments later however couldn’t discover the again of the web.

It was Youssef En-Nesyri who lastly added the fourth purpose for Morocco within the 81st minute, his twenty second purpose for the nationwide group. The goal-fest continued within the ninetieth minute, as Ismail Saibari scored with a surprising shot into the highest nook to make it 5-1.