Morocco faces Gabon on September 25 at a modernized Rabat stadium in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifier, with kickoff listed by CAF at 19:00 GMT, though some outlets cite 20:00 local time or 21:00 in France. South African referee Abongile Tom will officiate the Group A match, which also includes Niger and Lesotho.
The match forms part of Group A alongside Niger and Lesotho. Morocco enters as host nation, benefiting from home advantage at the recently modernized stadium complex, a venue built to accommodate major international competitions. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is associated with organizing the encounter. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has played a significant role in developing the sport across the country and overseeing national team competitions.
Morocco hosts Group A action against Niger and Lesotho, leveraging home advantage at a modernized stadium built for major international competitions.
Kickoff timing shows some inconsistency across sources. CAF’s published schedule lists 19:00 GMT, which several French-language outlets present as 20:00 local Moroccan time — the same figure in GMT terms. The same kickoff is expected to fall at 21:00 in mainland France and 20:00 in Gabon. Some sports databases show either 19:00 or 20:00 GMT, so supporters are advised to confirm local listings before the match.
In Morocco, coverage will run on Arryadia, the national channel handling the country’s qualifiers, with possible extension to the broadcasting group’s digital platforms. In France, the game is expected to air on beIN Sports Max1, though one listing also references beIN SPORTS 1. Across North Africa, beIN Sports MENA is named as broadcaster, while Canal+ is cited among outlets covering the qualifiers for francophone Sub-Saharan Africa. Availability may vary by country and subscription package.
South African referee Abongile Tom has been appointed to officiate, marking Morocco’s opening assignment of the qualifying campaign under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi. The squad is expected to feature a mix of renewal and experienced internationals.
In the other Group A fixture of Matchday 1, Niger faces Lesotho. Morocco’s second qualifying match will see the team travel to face Lesotho, with Matchday 2 scheduled between September 28 and October 6, 2026. The group’s final matchdays fall in March 2027, including Gabon against Morocco and Morocco against Lesotho, with qualification depending on the final Group A standings after six matchdays.
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