Morocco continued their flawless start to the qualification campaign with a controlled 2-0 victory over Lesotho, taking their Group A points tally to six from two matches.
The Atlas Lions had to work for the result, though, with Lesotho refusing to make life easy for the visitors during a cagey opening.
Morocco dominated the contest but found the hosts difficult to break down, with their patience tested as Lesotho maintained their defensive shape.
The breakthrough finally arrived just before half-time.
Brahim Diaz found the decisive touch on the stroke of the interval to send Morocco into the break with a narrow advantage.
That goal changed the complexion of the contest, but Lesotho were not prepared to surrender.
The hosts made changes after the restart as they searched for a route back into the game, while Morocco responded by adding more attacking quality.
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Soufiane Rahimi were introduced as Morocco looked to increase the pressure and put the result beyond doubt.
Lesotho continued to battle, but Morocco’s experience and attacking options eventually told.
The second goal arrived in the 82nd minute.
Rahimi provided the assist for Azzedine Ounahi, who finished the move to give Morocco a crucial two-goal cushion.
With only minutes remaining, the goal effectively ended Lesotho’s hopes of mounting a comeback and allowed Morocco to manage the closing stages without serious danger.
The result gives Mohamed Ouahbi’s side six points from their first two matches, while their defensive record remains perfect.
Morocco opened their campaign with a 2-0 home victory over Gabon before producing another clean-sheet win away from home. They have now scored four goals without conceding across their opening two qualifiers.
It is exactly the kind of start the Atlas Lions would have wanted as they continue their push for PAMOJA 2027.
Lesotho, meanwhile, are still searching for their first point.
The defeat was their second in succession after they suffered a 2-1 loss to Niger in their opening fixture. Another narrow setback leaves them facing an early uphill battle in Group A.
Morocco’s latest victory, however, strengthens their position at the top end of the group and keeps their momentum intact.
The Atlas Lions have combined efficiency in attack with defensive discipline in their opening two games. They have also shown the patience required to break down opponents determined to frustrate them.
There is still a long way to go in the qualification campaign, but Morocco have made their intentions clear.
Two matches, two victories, four goals scored and none conceded.
For now, the Atlas Lions are setting the pace in Group A.
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