The Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier is set for 29 September at 13:00 GMT at Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, Reuters reports. Morocco coach Mohamed Wahbi wants his players to take Lesotho seriously, despite Morocco being favourites.
At Monday's pre-match press conference, Wahbi said, "We must be 100 per cent ready and approach the match seriously, with respect for the opponent." He said the team must focus on its strengths, adapt to the conditions and avoid excuses. The warning was direct.
Lesotho cannot host the qualifier at home because its stadiums do not meet the requirements for international matches, so the fixture was moved to South Africa.
Wahbi has options for the match
Morocco trained with the full group on Monday. The squad had arrived in South Africa, but Nayef Aguerd remains on a recovery programme and may not be ready to play. Wahbi said he would introduce new players gradually. He also has several options for Tuesday's line-up.
For the coach, the danger is complacency, not a lack of confidence.
The Lesotho-Morocco fixture is part of the second round of Group A qualifying. Gabon and Niger are scheduled to meet in the other match of the round.
Morocco lead Group A after one round
Morocco sit top of Group A with three points and a goal difference of +2. Niger are next, also with three points, but a +1 difference, according to NBC Sports. Reuters reports that Morocco opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Gabon in Rabat. Lesotho lost 1-2 to Niger on Friday. Neither Lesotho nor Gabon have a point.
Morocco international Issa Diop said the squad intended to give its best against Lesotho. The match is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Free State Toyota Stadium, or 1 p.m. GMT.
The table gives Morocco an early lead to protect. The group is still at its opening stage. Taking Lesotho seriously is more than a precautionary slogan. Morocco need that approach if they are to build on their start.
