One day before their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gabon on Friday, September 25, the Atlas Lions wrapped up their preparations Thursday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
The Moroccan internationals worked through possession drills, small-sided games, passing sequences and various match situations designed to sharpen their understanding and coordination. With only hours to go before the start of their qualifying campaign, the main focus was on fine-tuning the final details without putting too much strain on the players.
The squad showed plenty of energy and enthusiasm throughout the session. Smiles and exchanges between the players did little to hide the growing focus as the team’s first official match since the World Cup drew closer.
The final session also confirmed that the new players called up by Mohamed Ouahbi are settling in well. Training alongside the more experienced members of the squad, the newcomers are gradually finding their feet and becoming fully involved in team life. The senior players, meanwhile, have been helping them adjust, both on and off the field.
Three players were missing, however. Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari, who are suspended for the opening day of the qualifiers, did not take part in the session. Brahim Diaz was also absent. The Real Madrid player arrived at camp with muscle pain and is continuing to work individually.
The coaching staff will have to manage these absences against Gabon, although Mohamed Ouahbi has several options within his squad.
Read also : Brahim Diaz joins Atlas Lions camp while carrying muscle pain
Yassine Bounou was present at training and mainly stressed how happy the Lions are to reunite under the national team jersey, just a few weeks after their World Cup campaign.
“Thank God, the players arrived in good condition. We really wanted to get back together with the national team, especially in front of our home fans. We are genuinely very happy,” the Atlas Lions goalkeeper said.
For Bounou, the short gap since the team’s last gathering also makes things easier. “The group was already together not that long ago. The World Cup was only about two months ago. Thank God, as I said, the players are happy to be back together and play for the national team, especially here in Rabat.”
The Moroccan goalkeeper is not expecting an easy evening, however. Having faced Gabon several times, he knows the Panthers can cause problems for the Lions.
“It will be an intense match. As we know, Gabon are not an ordinary opponent. This team has always given us trouble, whether in qualifying or at the Africa Cup of Nations,” he warned.
He then expressed his confidence: “I think we are well prepared for this game and, God willing, we will get a great result.”
Azzedine Ounahi echoed the same message. The midfielder highlighted the squad’s determination to make a successful return in front of the Moroccan fans. For the Lions, the goal is to put in a performance that lives up to expectations and get this new continental campaign off to the best possible start.
Ounahi also emphasized the atmosphere within the squad and the cohesion between the senior players and the newcomers. That has become even more important as Mohamed Ouahbi used this camp to bring fresh faces into the team.
According to the Moroccan midfielder, all the players are moving in the same direction, determined to put in a convincing performance and secure a positive result against the Panthers.
Read also : Atlas Lions hold first training session ahead of Gabon clash as Hakimi and Saibari arrive Wednesday
After several days of preparation in Maâmora, the Lions have now completed their work at the venue where they will truly get their campaign underway. Morocco will face Gabon on Friday, September 25, at 7 p.m. at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The opening game will give Mohamed Ouahbi’s side a chance to lay the foundations for their campaign before traveling to South Africa to face Lesotho on Tuesday, September 29.
