Morocco's reputation has soared following their impressive performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

Despite being among the favourites for the 2023 AFCON, they were knocked out in the round of 16 after losing 2-0 to South Africa.

Under the guidance of Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions have returned to winning ways with victories over Zambia (2-1) and Congo (6-0) in recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi was the star of the show against Congo, scoring a hat-trick, while Azzedine Ounahi, Chadi Riad and Soufiane Rahimi were also on the scoresheet. .

While Morocco's participation in the next AFCON is already assured, they will use these qualifiers to prepare for the tournament.

The Atlas Lions have won the AFCON title only once in their history, in 1976, when the competition adopted a round-robin format to determine the final four instead of a knockout stage - the second and last time the round-robin format was used (1959 was the first).

Gabon will be desperate to secure their place at the AFCON in a group that also includes Lesotho and Central African Republic.

The Panthers, who missed out on the last edition, have made nine appearances at the tournament, with their best results coming in 1996 and 2012, when they reached the quarter-finals.

Thierry Mouyouma's side have been in good form in the qualifiers, winning three of their four games, including a 3-2 win over Gambia in their last outing.

Former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Jim Allevinah and Denis Bouanga were key to the win, with all three getting on the scoresheet.

Historically, Gabon have a positive record against Morocco, with four wins, two draws and two defeats in 10 meetings, while they are unbeaten in their last two encounters.

Morocco possible starting lineup:

Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Allah; Ounahi, Azzouzi; Ziyech, Diaz, Seghir; En-Nesyri

Gabon possible starting lineup:

Noubi; Obiang, Appindangoye, Ecuele Manga, Oyono; Biteghe, Kanga, Lemina; Bouanga, Allevinah, Aubameyang

Prediction:Morocco 1-1 Gabon

Morocco VS Gabon stream and TV listing

International：Holasports