Morocco Edges Niger 2-1 in World Cup Qualifier

Morocco won a 2-1 victory against Niger on Friday in Oujda, during the fifth round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This victory, obtained at the end of the match, allows the Atlas Lions to consolidate their position at the top of their group.
The Moroccans started the match with the intention of scoring quickly. However, they faced a well-organized Nigerien defense, making it difficult to create clear-cut chances. The Nigerien attempts lacked precision in the final gesture.
Despite Moroccan territorial dominance, the score remained tied at halftime. The long-range shots, like that of Nayef Aguerd which hit the post, did not manage to unblock the situation. The two teams went to the locker rooms with a score of parity.
The second half started with a twist: Niger’s opening goal in the 48th minute. This goal forced the Moroccans to intensify their efforts to equalize.
The equalizer came in the 60th minute thanks to Ismael Saibari. From then on, the two teams sought to take the lead. The Moroccans multiplied the offensives, but lacked efficiency in the finishing.
It was ultimately Bilal El Khannouss who gave the victory to Morocco by scoring the decisive goal at the end of the match. This victory allows the Atlas Lions to total 12 points, widening the gap with Niger, who remain at 6 points.
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