An invincible era: Brahim Díaz double cements Morocco's continental dominance

29.09.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Lesotho

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Morocco

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Morocco national team extended their formidable unbeaten run in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, securing a controlled 2-0 victory over Lesotho national team at the Free State Stadium.

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Díaz strikes twice to break Lesotho's resistance

The Atlas Lions entered the fixture aiming to build on their opening 2-0 win over Gabon. However, a disciplined Lesotho defensive block frustrated the continental heavywaters through a tense, tightly contested opening half.

Just as the interval approached goalless, Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Díaz unlocked the defense with a clinical strike in the 45th minute to give Morocco a crucial psychological advantage.

Maintaining tactical dominance after the restart, Morocco continued to probe the host's backline until Díaz struck again in the 81st minute, securing his second of the match and cementing his side's control over the group.

Maintaining a historic unbeaten streak

The victory further highlights Morocco's remarkable consistency in continental qualifiers. The North African giants have now avoided defeat in AFCON qualifying fixtures for over 1,200 days, with their last competitive setback in the tournament's preliminary rounds dating back to 17 June 2023, against South Africa.

With two wins from two matches and zero goals conceded in the current qualifying phase, Regragui's squad continues to justify their lofty standing in the FIFA rankings.

Patience & individual brilliance

Breaking down deep, organized low blocks has historically posed a challenge for dominant international sides and Lesotho's defensive setup tested Morocco's tactical patience for nearly an hour.

However, the presence of elite individual quality like Díaz makes the difference in matches where space is at a premium. His ability to punish minor defensive lapses ensures that Morocco can grind out results even when not operating at peak fluency.

Following their successful away trip, Morocco firmly consolidates top spot in Group A with six points. The Atlas Lions will turn their attention to upcoming fixtures as they march toward securing qualification for the 2027 tournament while Lesotho face an uphill battle to revive their campaign after suffering consecutive defeats.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Lesotho

Morocco

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations