Lesotho Vs Morocco

Lesotho will be looking to pull off an extraordinary upset when they face Morocco at Stade Adrar on Monday in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match. As the underdogs, Lesotho will aim to challenge a Moroccan side that has already secured a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament as the host nation. While Morocco's qualification is assured, Lesotho’s journey in the qualifiers represents a monumental challenge for the small Southern African nation.

Match Preview

For Lesotho, this encounter is part of an uphill battle in a group that features some formidable teams. They entered the group stage of the AFCON qualifiers as the lowest-ranked side, standing 44th out of 53 teams at the time of the draw. This placement reflects the immense task they face in their quest to reach the continental competition for the first time in their history. The first sign of how difficult this campaign would be for Lesotho came in their opening qualifying match, a 3-1 loss to the Central African Republic. That game saw Lesotho concede in the opening minute, a blow that set the tone for the match and reminded them of the steep mountain they would need to climb to secure a place in next year’s AFCON tournament.

The Lesotho national team has been further disadvantaged by the fact that they have been unable to play their home matches on their own soil. Due to the lack of an international-standard stadium back home, Lesotho has been forced to host all their AFCON qualifying home games in Morocco, effectively making them permanent visitors throughout their campaign. While this has added to the difficulty of their mission, Lesotho has demonstrated in the past that they are capable of surprising performances even in the toughest of conditions. One such moment came in November during a World Cup qualifying match, where Lesotho managed to secure a draw against Nigeria—a match where they proved that they could compete against stronger opposition even in the most unlikely circumstances.

That being said, Lesotho's form heading into this clash is a cause for concern. Coach Leslie Notsi’s side is currently on a five-match winless streak, which includes a disappointing run in the COSAFA Cup back in July. The lack of momentum is apparent, and Lesotho will need to rediscover their fighting spirit if they are to have any hope of causing an upset against Morocco.

Morocco’s Strong Form

On the other side of the pitch, Morocco comes into this match as the top-ranked team in Africa, and they have shown no signs of slowing down. Their 4-1 victory over Gabon last Friday at the Stade Adrar was a testament to their quality and depth. Even though Morocco has already qualified for the 2025 AFCON as hosts, they have maintained high standards in their performances throughout the qualification process. Against Gabon, Hakim Ziyech was once again at the heart of the action, scoring twice from the penalty spot in the first half. His clinical finishing set the tone for Morocco’s dominance, with Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi adding to the scoreline in the second half, sealing an emphatic win.

The victory over Gabon extended Morocco’s unbeaten run across all competitions to five matches, with their last three being victories. During these games, the Atlas Lions have been in formidable scoring form, netting 10 goals in just their last two matches. Their ability to find the back of the net from various attacking options makes them a constant threat to any opposition.

Walid Regragui, the Moroccan head coach, has built a team that is not only defensively solid but also lethal in attack. His tactical approach has ensured that the team performs at a consistently high level, regardless of the stakes. While this upcoming match against Lesotho is the first-ever encounter between the two nations, Morocco will undoubtedly be looking to continue their impressive run in the AFCON qualifiers and extend their winning streak to three matches. The last time Morocco tasted defeat in this competition was in June 2023, when they fell to South Africa—a result they will be keen to avoid repeating.

Lesotho's Challenges

The task ahead for Lesotho cannot be understated. Playing against a team of Morocco’s caliber is a daunting prospect, and doing so on foreign soil further complicates matters. Lesotho’s defensive frailties were exposed early in their qualifying campaign, as they conceded three goals against the Central African Republic. Their inability to keep a clean sheet has been a recurring issue, and against a Moroccan side that has been in blistering form, the Lesotho defense will need to be at their very best.

Offensively, Lesotho has also struggled to find consistency. In their loss to the Central African Republic, their lone goal came in the latter stages of the match, offering little consolation after a comprehensive defeat. The lack of a potent goal threat has been a problem for Lesotho, and it is unlikely that they will find it any easier against Morocco's disciplined and experienced backline.

One factor that could work in Lesotho’s favor is the unpredictable nature of football. As their draw against Nigeria demonstrated, they are capable of pulling off a surprise result when least expected. While Morocco may have the superior squad in terms of talent and depth, complacency is something they cannot afford. If Lesotho can take advantage of any lapses in concentration from the Moroccan side, they could find a way to make life difficult for their opponents.

Morocco’s Key Players

As for Morocco, they will be relying on their star players to carry them through this match. Hakim Ziyech has been a key figure in Morocco’s success, and his performances in recent matches have highlighted his importance to the team. His ability to create chances, score goals, and dictate the flow of the game from midfield will be crucial once again as Morocco looks to dominate possession and control the match.

In addition to Ziyech, the likes of Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi have been instrumental in Morocco’s attacking play. Diaz, who scored in the second half against Gabon, offers a dynamic presence in the final third, while El Kaabi’s goal-scoring prowess makes him a constant threat in and around the penalty box. Together, this trio has the ability to break down even the most stubborn of defenses, and Lesotho will need to be alert to their movements at all times.

At the back, Morocco has been equally impressive. Their defensive record in recent matches speaks volumes about their organization and discipline. Players like Romain Saïss and Noussair Mazraoui provide stability and leadership in defense, ensuring that Morocco remains difficult to break down. For Lesotho to have any chance of scoring, they will need to be highly creative and take advantage of set-piece opportunities.

Tactical Battle

From a tactical standpoint, this match could be one-sided, with Morocco likely to dominate possession and apply constant pressure on Lesotho’s defense. Walid Regragui’s side has become known for its patient build-up play and ability to stretch the opposition through quick transitions. Morocco's midfield, led by Ziyech, will look to control the tempo of the game, while their forwards will aim to exploit any gaps in the Lesotho defense.

For Lesotho, the focus will likely be on defending deep and trying to hit Morocco on the counter-attack. Given the disparity in quality between the two sides, Lesotho may opt for a more conservative approach, prioritizing defensive solidity over attacking ambition. If they can frustrate Morocco and keep the scoreline close, they may have a chance of nicking a goal through a set-piece or quick break.

Conclusion

As Lesotho prepares to face Morocco in this crucial AFCON qualifier, the odds are heavily stacked against them. Morocco’s recent form, their superior squad depth, and the fact that they are playing on home soil all point towards a victory for the Atlas Lions. However, Lesotho will hope to defy the odds and produce a performance that shocks the footballing world.

For Morocco, the objective is clear: maintain their winning run and continue building momentum ahead of next year’s AFCON tournament. For Lesotho, the goal is to keep their hopes alive and show that even the underdogs can make a statement on the continental stage. Whatever the outcome, this match promises to be an intriguing contest between two teams at opposite ends of the African football spectrum.