The footballing spotlight in Africa turns to Oujda on Monday as Morocco aims to maintain their flawless run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers by hosting Lesotho at the Honneur Stadium. This marks the culmination of Group B action, with both sides entering the match with contrasting fortunes and objectives.
For Morocco, this is an opportunity to conclude their campaign with an unblemished record, while for Lesotho, it represents a last-ditch effort to keep their AFCON qualification dreams alive. The stage is set for a fascinating encounter, with much at stake, even if the home side has already secured its place in the tournament as the host nation.
Although Morocco is automatically qualified for the 2025 AFCON due to their status as hosts, the Atlas Lions have treated these qualifiers with remarkable seriousness. Under the stewardship of Walid Regragui, Morocco has asserted their dominance, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline, attacking flair, and defensive solidity. From the outset, they signaled their intent with a commanding 4-1 victory over Gabon in their opening match.
Subsequent performances saw Morocco deliver comprehensive wins, including a 1-0 success against Lesotho in September and back-to-back triumphs over the Central African Republic (CAR). Across these fixtures, Morocco has scored 15 goals while conceding just one, a testament to their defensive resilience and attacking prowess.
Their near-flawless defensive record took a minor dent in their most recent fixture against Gabon. Despite conceding an early goal to Denis Bouanga, the team responded emphatically, storming to a 5-1 victory. Brahim Diaz emerged as the star of the show, delivering a performance that underlined Morocco's offensive depth and ability to adapt under pressure.
As the only team in the qualifiers with a perfect record, Morocco sits comfortably atop Group B with 15 points, eight ahead of Gabon. They have an opportunity to cap their campaign with a maximum of 18 points—a feat they last achieved in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers. Regragui's squad has displayed a consistency that cements their position as one of Africa's premier footballing nations.
For Lesotho, the stakes are different but no less significant. The nation is chasing its first-ever qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, a dream that has remained elusive throughout their footballing history. However, their journey in the 2025 qualifiers has been fraught with challenges.
Lesotho's campaign began on a sour note with back-to-back losses to CAR and Morocco. These early setbacks left them playing catch-up in a competitive group. Their fortunes improved marginally with a hard-earned point against Gabon in a goalless draw, but another loss to Gabon in the reverse fixture further dented their hopes.
Thursday’s 1-0 victory against CAR in Bloemfontein has breathed new life into Lesotho's qualification bid. Leslie Notsi’s men displayed grit and determination to secure a result that keeps them in contention for second place. However, their fate is not entirely in their hands. Even a victory over Morocco would require results elsewhere to align for Lesotho to leapfrog Gabon and secure a spot in the tournament.
One of Lesotho’s significant hurdles has been their underwhelming away form. Since the start of 2024, they have managed just two wins in nine away games—a statistic that underscores the magnitude of their task on Monday. Facing a Moroccan side that has been imperious at home adds to the daunting nature of this fixture.
Morocco’s tactical approach under Regragui has been characterized by a solid defensive foundation, dynamic midfield transitions, and clinical finishing in the final third. Players like Hakim Ziyech, Sofiane Boufal, and Brahim Diaz have been instrumental in creating and converting chances, while the defensive unit led by Achraf Hakimi has been rock-solid.
In Monday’s game, Morocco will likely adopt a balanced approach—controlling possession, probing for openings, and exploiting Lesotho's defensive vulnerabilities. The team’s depth allows Regragui the luxury of rotating his squad without compromising on quality.
For Lesotho, the emphasis will be on resilience and counterattacking opportunities. Coach Leslie Notsi is expected to set up his team defensively, aiming to frustrate Morocco and capitalize on transitions. Key players such as Tumelo Khutlang and Tshwarelo Bereng will need to be at their best to trouble Morocco’s well-drilled defense.
Given their struggles in front of goal—just two goals in five matches—Lesotho must find a way to improve their efficiency in the attacking third. Set pieces could also prove crucial, as they represent a rare avenue for scoring against a side as organized as Morocco.
Morocco and Lesotho have crossed paths only once before in this qualifying campaign, with the Atlas Lions emerging as narrow 1-0 victors. This historical scarcity adds an intriguing element to Monday's encounter, as Lesotho seeks to defy the odds and claim an unlikely result.
For Morocco, the match is an opportunity to fine-tune their squad and test tactical variations ahead of the tournament they will host. A victory would also reinforce their status as a dominant force in African football. On the other hand, Lesotho's ambitions are more immediate and existential. A win would not only boost their slim qualification chances but also serve as a significant milestone in their footballing history.
While football is inherently unpredictable, Morocco enters this fixture as overwhelming favorites. Their form, squad depth, and home advantage make them a formidable opponent for any team. Lesotho’s path to victory, meanwhile, would require a near-perfect performance combined with a fair share of luck.
A comprehensive win for Morocco seems the likeliest outcome, with a 3-0 or 4-1 scoreline reflecting their attacking prowess and defensive stability. However, if Lesotho can absorb early pressure and strike on the counter, they may yet spring a surprise.
Monday’s clash between Morocco and Lesotho serves as a microcosm of the broader narratives in African football—a powerhouse nation reinforcing its dominance and an underdog fighting against the odds. While the result may appear a foregone conclusion on paper, the unpredictable nature of football ensures that both teams will step onto the pitch with something to prove.
For Morocco, it’s about maintaining momentum and continuing their preparations for hosting the 2025 AFCON. For Lesotho, it’s about dreaming big and keeping their hopes alive. As the Honneur Stadium witnesses the final chapter of Group B, the game promises to offer moments of brilliance, resilience, and perhaps even history in the making.