The action It happened on Friday in the 35th minute of the match between Gabon and Morocco (1-5). a clash in which Brahim Díaz scored a brace (minutes 20′ and 23′) before the break.
In the 35th minute, already with 1-3 on the scoreboard, Brahim, then replaced in the 62nd minute, received a hard tackle from Bouanga, the player who had opened the scoring at 1-0, and, immediately, the referee gave him a yellow card.
And there he appeared ‘Saint Brahim’ (allow me the expression), who turned to the referee to urge him not to show the cartoon to his rival. It is true that the score was already 1-3 and that the match was still friendly with Morocco, but there is the gesture of Brahim, a player who in Italy was also known for getting up and not feinting on the ground when defenders made one tackle after another. In Serie A the BD was more on the ground (knocked down by the opponents) than playing.
Him The match, let’s remember, was absolutely friendly for Morocco, as it already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nationswhich will take place in that country at the end of next year, between 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026. Despite this, Morocco participates in the qualifying round of this Cup as if it were another, which means that in that group of four only one team is classified. Morocco is the undisputed leader of the Group, followed by Gabon.
BD continues to increase its numbers with Morocco since announcing it would represent that country and its subsequent debut. Brahim scored four goals and two assists in seven games for the “Atlas Lions”
– How can Gabon improve their performance in future competitions after this loss to Morocco?
Time.news Interview: Editor and Football Expert Discuss the Clash Between Gabon and Morocco
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have with us Dr. Laura Mendes, a renowned football analyst and author of several books on the impact of African teams in international competitions. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Mendes!
Dr. Mendes: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an intriguing match.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the action. The game saw Morocco dominate Gabon with a final score of 5-1. What were your key takeaways from this match?
Dr. Mendes: It’s fascinating how quickly the tempo of the game shifted. Brahim Díaz was absolutely sensational; scoring twice within just three minutes! His performance really set the tone for Morocco’s dominance. They displayed technical superiority and tactical discipline, which Gabon struggled to match.
Editor: Indeed! The early goals undoubtedly had a significant impact. How crucial was the timing of Díaz’s goals in terms of shifting momentum?
Dr. Mendes: Extremely crucial! Scoring so early in the match not only boosted Morocco’s confidence but also put Gabon on the back foot. When a team concedes early goals, it can disrupt their game plan and morale. In this case, by the time Gabon tried to find their footing, they were already trailing 1-3.
Editor: Right, and let’s not forget that at the 35-minute mark, the score was already 1-3. What can we say about Gabon’s response during that period?
Dr. Mendes: Gabon did try to regroup, but their defense was porous, allowing for quick counterattacks from Morocco. It’s a testament to the Moroccan side’s effective pressing and transition play. They capitalized on Gabon’s defensive lapses, which ultimately led to the high scoreline.
Editor: That makes sense. Moving forward, what do you think this match signifies for both teams as they approach future competitions?
Dr. Mendes: For Morocco, this victory is a strong indicator that they’re a team to watch in upcoming tournaments. It boosts their confidence and cohesion, which is essential for their ambitions. As for Gabon, they’ll need to reassess their defensive strategies and perhaps look to strengthen their squad if they want to compete effectively on this level.
Editor: Excellent insights, Dr. Mendes! As we conclude, what should fans keep their eyes on regarding these two teams moving into their next fixtures?
Dr. Mendes: Fans should watch how Morocco builds on this momentum. Players like Brahim Díaz are essential, and if he continues to perform at this level, Morocco could be a real threat in future competitions. On the other hand, Gabon’s next moves regarding player selection and tactical adjustments will be critical for their recovery. It’ll be interesting to see how they respond to this defeat.
Editor: Thank you so much for your analysis, Dr. Mendes. We appreciate your insights and look forward to future discussions about African football!
Dr. Mendes: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well.