Hakimi scores twice as Morocco beat Niger 5-1; Bounou saves penalty, Oufkir scores on debut
Morocco claimed their third consecutive win in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, beating Niger 5-1 in Casablanca on Friday night. A lively first half and the impact of the substitutes marked the match, strengthening the Atlas Lions’ hold on top spot in their group.
At the Mohammed V Complex, Mohamed Ouahbi’s men quickly took control. In the 4th minute, Yassir Zabiri opened the scoring from a pass by Brahim Díaz, netting his first goal for the national team. Achraf Hakimi doubled the lead in the 27th minute, set up by Ayyoub Bouaddi.
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Niger responded in the 41st minute through Mohamed Abdouramane, making it 2-1. Moments later, the visitors won a penalty that could have brought them level. Yassine Bounou then made a crucial save against Youssouf Oumarou.
In first-half stoppage time, Hakimi struck again. The Moroccan captain scored his second goal with a direct free kick in the 45th+3 minute, sending the Atlas Lions into the break with a two-goal lead.
En-Nesyri and Oufkir finish the job
Morocco kept control of the ball in the second half before pulling away thanks to their substitutes. Brought on in the 69th minute, Youssef En-Nesyri scored the fourth goal in the 77th, from a pass by Hakimi.
Ayoub Oufkir, who came on in the 75th minute, rounded off the evening with a goal in the 90th. The AZ Alkmaar striker marked his very first appearance for Morocco’s national team with a goal.
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The win gives Morocco nine points from three matches, ahead of Gabon, who have six. The Atlas Lions will face Niger again on Tuesday, November 17 in Rabat, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, for the fourth round of qualifying. Niger will technically play this second match at home, as there is no approved stadium in the country.
