Rabat opened Morocco’s road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with a controlled 2-0 win over Gabon, while several of the continent’s established sides began qualifying with uneven results across a busy first round.
Noussair Mazraoui broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute for the hosts in Group A, before Soufiane Rahimi made the result safe six minutes from time. Morocco’s victory gave the Rabat crowd an assured start to a campaign that will run across the continent over the coming months.
Quick facts
- Morocco beat Gabon 2-0 in Rabat in Group A.
- Patrick Vieira’s first match as Senegal coach ended 1-1 away to Mozambique.
- Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola despite starting Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
- Algeria, Nigeria and Mali all opened with victories.
In Maputo, Senegal began Patrick Vieira’s tenure with a draw against Mozambique in Group J. Nicolas Jackson put the visitors ahead, but Senegal were unable to turn that early advantage into a winning debut for their new coach.
Egypt found far less room in Group B. With Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush selected together in attack, the Pharaohs were held scoreless by Angola at home. Barcelona forward Hamza Abdelkarim entered in the 62nd minute, replacing Haissem Hassan, but the match finished 0-0.
Algeria made a stronger start in Group I, defeating Zambia 3-1. Nigeria also collected three points in Group L, overcoming Madagascar 2-1 despite the absence of injured striker Victor Osimhen.
Mali’s 3-1 victory over Cape Verde in Group K carried its own recent World Cup context. Nene Dorgeles scored twice against Vozinha, the Cape Verde goalkeeper who had been central to his country’s historic World Cup run before their round-of-32 defeat to Argentina.
