Morocco thrashing Gabon by 5-1

With both teams already qualified for next year’s CAF finals, expectations for this Group B clash were uncertain but still the match ended in a Morocco thrashing Gabon by 5-1.

The match burst into life early when Denis Bougana scored for the hosts in the fourth minute with a spectacular curling strike from long range. Gabon had ample opportunities to extend their lead. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rounded the goalkeeper to find the net in the ninth minute after a sharp counter-attack, only for the goal to be disallowed for a tight offside.

Morocco soon capitalized on Gabon’s vulnerability to set-pieces. Jamal Harkass equalized in the 17th minute, heading in Achraf Hakimi’s pinpoint free-kick. The tide turned quickly as Brahim Diaz added two goals in quick succession, both from close range, taking advantage of poor defensive organization on successive corners.

The second half saw Ismael Saibari light up the field as a substitute. First, he delivered an assist to Youssef En-Nesyri for Morocco’s fourth goal. Then, he dazzled the crowd with a stunning solo effort, weaving past defenders before firing into the top corner to secure the Atlas Lions’ fifth.

Morocco remains atop Group B, with Gabon in second. Lesotho and the Central African Republic sit in third and fourth, unable to challenge the group leaders.