Morocco Edges Niger 2-1 in World Cup Qualifier Despite Slow Start

Niger opened the scoring at the start of the second half, surprising the Moroccan team. A goal that, according to national coach Walid Regragui, had the merit of waking up his players. He said in the press conference: "Niger’s goal at the start of the second half was a shock that woke the players from their torpor".

The support of the Oujda public was crucial in the Moroccan comeback. Regragui mentioned this support: "the supporters of the city of Oujda helped the national team to come back to the score", stating that "if the match had taken place in another city, the team would not have received the same support after being behind".

The entry of Saibari and El Khannouss revitalized the Moroccan attack, acknowledging their positive impact.

Walid Regragui clearly indicated that this match served as a warning, specifying that no one had their place guaranteed. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the first half and insisted that lack of concentration would have consequences for the players concerned. If they continued "to show a lack of concentration or slackness, they would lose their place in the starting lineup".

When asked about the central defense, Regragui explained his choice to test Jawad El Yamiq, indicating that Talbi could be available for the next match against Tanzania, while Osame Sahraoui’s participation remains uncertain.