Gabon vs Morocco Prediction, Preview, H2H, Lineups | AFCON Qualifiers

Gabon vs Morocco: Preview, Predictions, Head to Head, Predicted Lineups, and Team News for the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers on November 15, 2024.

The journey to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) intensifies as Gabon National Football Team hosts Morocco in a high-stakes Group B encounter on Friday, November 15, 2024. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 pm GMT at Stade de Franceville, Gabon. With both teams vying for dominance and the top two spots in Group B, fans can expect a gripping match between Gabon, looking to hold onto their second-place position, and a Morocco side on a near-perfect streak.

Match Overview

• Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
• Kick-off Time: 7:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Stade de Franceville, Gabon
• Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers (AFCON)

Gabon’s Qualification Run and Current Form

Gabon has shown resilience in the qualifiers, accumulating seven points from four matches, which currently places them second in Group B. Despite the team’s solid performance, Gabon’s journey has seen some inconsistencies, with a mix of wins, losses, and draws. The home advantage will play a significant role as they remain unbeaten in their last four home games. Yet, with the Central African Republic trailing closely in the standings, Gabon must secure a strong result to solidify their qualification hopes.

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In their last six games, Gabon has managed three wins, one draw, and two losses, which reflect their inconsistent form. Head coach Thierry Mouyouma is expected to use this fixture as an opportunity to build momentum and further stabilize his team’s position in the standings.

Morocco’s Recent Rise and Formidable Form

Morocco’s ascent on the international stage has been remarkable, particularly since their groundbreaking performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Currently ranked 13th in the FIFA world rankings, Morocco has emerged as a powerhouse in African football. Their perfect record in the AFCON qualifiers speaks to their dominance and consistency. With an eight-match unbeaten run and an undefeated record in the qualifiers, Morocco will enter this fixture as the clear favorites.

Under head coach Walid Regragui, Morocco has been able to blend youth with experience, creating a well-rounded squad that performs cohesively. As they inch closer to securing their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco may take this match as a chance to test tactical variations and give valuable experience to emerging players.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Gabon National Football Team News

Gabon has no notable injury concerns heading into this fixture, giving head coach Thierry Mouyouma a full squad to select from. With a stable lineup and the advantage of playing at home, Gabon will likely field a familiar 4-3-3 formation to maximize their offensive and defensive options.

Predicted Gabon National Football Team Lineup (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Mbaba
• Defenders: Oyono, Appindangoye, Moucketou-Moussounda, Mboula
• Midfielders: Ngouali, Lemina, Kanga
• Forwards: Sambissa, Babicka, Bouanga

Morocco National Football Team News

Head coach Walid Regragui has a wealth of options at his disposal, with key players like Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz expected to feature in the lineup. Regragui’s preferred formations of either 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 provide flexibility to adapt based on game flow and tactics.

Predicted Morocco National Football Team Lineup (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Bounou
• Defenders: Hakimi, Harkass, Aguerd, Mazraoui
• Midfielders: Amrabat, Ounahi, Ben Seghir
• Forwards: Brahim, Abde, En-Nesyri

Head-to-Head Record: Gabon vs Morocco

In recent head-to-head clashes, Morocco has had the upper hand with two wins out of their last five encounters, while Gabon managed one victory. The other two matches ended in draws, showing that Gabon has been competitive, though often edged out by Morocco’s firepower and tactical prowess.

Recent Meetings:

• 2024 (AFCON Qualifiers): Morocco 4-1 Gabon
• 2022 (AFCON): Gabon 2-2 Morocco
• 2019 (Friendly): Morocco 2-3 Gabon
• 2017 (World Cup Qualifiers): Morocco 3-0 Gabon
• 2016 (World Cup Qualifiers): Gabon 0-0 Morocco

Key Players to Watch

Brahim Diaz (Morocco)

Brahim Diaz’s commitment to the Moroccan national team has bolstered their attacking depth. Known for his agility, dribbling, and goal-scoring abilities, Diaz has emerged as a vital contributor to both Real Madrid and Morocco. His presence will be a major threat to Gabon’s defense, and fans can expect him to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Achraf Hakimi’s versatility and experience make him one of the most dependable players in Morocco’s squad. Known for his speed and attacking prowess as a right-back, Hakimi is crucial to Morocco’s transition play. His forward runs and defensive strength will be instrumental in keeping Gabon on the back foot.

Match Prediction: Gabon vs Morocco

With Morocco’s remarkable form and depth, they will likely head into this game as the favorites to win. Gabon will rely heavily on their home advantage and defensive strategies to contain Morocco’s attacks. However, Morocco’s quality, particularly in midfield and attack, may prove too strong for Gabon to counter.

Soccerbaba Predicted Score: Gabon 1-3 Morocco

Where to Watch Gabon vs Morocco

For fans around the world, here’s where you can catch the live broadcast of Gabon vs Morocco:

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Final Thoughts

The upcoming match between Gabon and Morocco National Football Team is more than just a qualifier; it’s a test of tactical depth, resilience, and adaptability. Morocco’s undefeated streak will be challenged by Gabon’s tenacity, particularly with the latter’s strong home form. Both teams have a lot to gain, and for Gabon, especially, this game will serve as an opportunity to reinforce their position against a top-ranking opponent.

Morocco’s focus on squad depth and rotation will provide valuable insights for upcoming tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers. Fans can expect an exciting contest as both teams work toward solidifying their standing in the AFCON qualifiers and setting a tone for future competitions.