Morocco’s Atlas Lions won 5-1 against Gabon in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Friday at the Stade de Franceville in Gabon.
The game started at a blistering pace as Morocco wasted no time launching an attack within the first minute. However, it was Gabon who scored first.
In the 4th minute, Denis Bouanga found the back of the net with a right-footed strike, sending the ball curling into the corner of the left post to give the Panthers an early lead.
Gabon almost doubled its advantage in the 9th minute when an attacking play saw Morocco’s captain, Achraf Hakimi, forced to head the ball out of play to thwart the attempt.
Morocco quickly regrouped, and the efforts paid off in the 15th minute. Jamal Harkass brought the game to a tie with a towering header off a penalty expertly delivered by Hakimi. The goal was a momentous occasion for Harkass, marking his first-ever score for the national team.
The Atlas Lions capitalized on the momentum and intensified their attacks. Morocco’s star forward Brahim Diaz delivered a clinical finish in the 20th minute, giving Morocco a 2-1 lead.
Just three minutes later, he struck again. His brace solidified a commanding 3-1 position for the Lions by the 23rd minute.
In the 81st minute, Youssef En-Nesyri further cemented his team’s win with a fourth goal. Ismael Saibari soon after delivered another goal in the 90th minute, bringing the tally to a sweeping 5-1.