Morocco defeat Gabon in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying — The National

Morocco’s national team defeated Gabon 2-0 in Rabat in the opening match of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The reigning African champions opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, while Soufiane Rahimi sealed the result, The National reports.

Rahimi scores after coming on as a substitute

Al Ain forward Rahimi came on in the second half to replace Yassir Zabiri, who made his first start for the national team. Zabiri has scored six goals in seven matches for Racing Santander this season, where he is playing on loan.

Six minutes before the end of the match, Rahimi finished Bilal El Khannouss’s low cross with his first touch. After scoring, he displayed a shin pad bearing a photograph of his father, Mohamed “Houari” Rahimi, who died earlier this month after a long illness. The goal was Rahimi’s 15th in 44 appearances for Morocco.

Seventeen-year-old Ajax attacking midfielder Abdellah Ouazane also made his senior international debut for the hosts. Manchester City midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi played the full match and received a yellow card. Morocco will play their next Group A match away against Lesotho on Tuesday.

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Egypt fail to score against Angola

Egypt began qualifying in Group B with a 0-0 draw against Angola in Cairo. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah started the match, while Omar Marmoush and young Barcelona player Hamza Abdelkarim came on as substitutes.

Egypt had 66% possession but were unable to break down Angola’s defence, led by former Senegal coach Aliou Cisse. On Tuesday, the Egyptian team will play against South Sudan in Juba.

Algeria win

In Group I, Algeria defeated Zambia 3-1. Jaouen Hadjam, Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa scored for Algeria. Algeria’s next opponent will be Burundi.