Despite the Panthers’ early opening score by Denis Bouanga in the 4th minute, which surprised the Atlas Lions, the latter were quick to react. Stung, Walid Regragui’s men regained control of the game and increased their attacks. Jamal Harkass sounded the revolt by equalizing with a header in the 17th minute, restoring confidence to his teammates. In the process, Brahim Diaz, true man of the match, scored a double in the space of three minutes (20th, 23rd), putting Morocco on the royal road.
Read: Nothing will be left to chance for the Atlas Lions in Gabon
Returning from the locker room, the Gabonese, trailing by two goals, tried to get back into the game. But the Moroccan defense, well organized around Nayef Aguerd, and an imperial Yassine Bounou in the cages, annihilated the opposing attempts. The Atlas Lions, for their part, continued to be dangerous on the counterattack. Youssef En-Nesyri added to the score in the 81st minute before Ismael Saibari completed the Moroccan success at the end of the match with an anthology goal.
With this resounding victory, Morocco consolidates its first place in Group B with 15 points and a faultless run. Already qualified for the CAN as host country, the Atlas Lions display impressive confidence and serenity a few months before the start of the competition. Gabon, despite this defeat, retains its second place with 7 points and will also be present at CAN 2025. The two teams will meet for a final confrontation during the sixth and final day of the qualifiers.
Belgium
