Lions of the Atlas arrive in Bloemfontein for Lesotho clash

Yesterday 16:06

Morocco’s national team has arrived in South Africa as preparations continue for Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations Pamoja 2027 qualifying match against Lesotho.

The Moroccan delegation landed during the night between Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, moving into the next phase of its preparations after opening the qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Gabon.

Full squad travels to South Africa

All players selected by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi for the current international camp were part of the travelling group.

Tawfik Bentayeb, who recently suffered a head injury while playing for Anderlecht and missed Morocco’s opening qualifier, made the trip to South Africa. Brahim Diaz was also included after dealing with muscular problems.

The travelling squad also features Achraf Hakimi and Ismaïl Saibari, who were unavailable for the opening match because of suspension.

Their presence gives Ouahbi a broader group to work with as Morocco prepares for its second fixture of the qualifying campaign.

Morocco face Lesotho in Bloemfontein

The match against Lesotho is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29 at Vodacom Park Stadium in Bloemfontein. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. Moroccan time.

The Atlas Lions will enter the fixture after securing three points against Gabon in their opening game. Lesotho, meanwhile, began its campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Niger.

The contrasting results give added importance to the second round of matches, with both teams looking to strengthen their position in the early stages of the qualification process.

Ouahbi begins preparations for the second test

Following their arrival, the Moroccan players are expected to resume training in South Africa on Sunday.

The short turnaround requires the coaching staff to balance recovery from the opening fixture with tactical preparation for a different opponent. The return of previously unavailable players also gives Ouahbi additional options as he prepares his team for the encounter in Bloemfontein.

Morocco’s objective will be to build on its opening victory and maintain its momentum in the Pamoja 2027 qualifying campaign.

Three points at stake in the second round

The match against Lesotho represents Morocco’s second assignment in the qualifying tournament.

With the opening results already establishing an early points gap between the teams involved, the encounter in Bloemfontein will provide another indication of how the qualifying group is taking shape.

For the Atlas Lions, the focus now shifts from their home victory over Gabon to securing another positive result on South African soil.