Morocco’s five tactical experiments for Niger double-header

Mohamed Ouahbi has two Morocco matches against Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to assess new options, with several established players unavailable but results still essential.

Morocco have six points after victories over Gabon and Lesotho, and will face Niger on 13 and 17 November. The absences of Azzedine Ounahi, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi and Hamza Igamane have altered the team’s attacking options.

“These absences give us the opportunity to play other players and try new profiles,” said Ouahbi.

Replacing Ounahi

Ounahi has played as the attacking midfielder in 10 of Ouahbi’s 13 competitive matches. His absence for several months leaves a gap in Morocco’s 4-2-3-1, particularly in the link between the midfield pairing and the forwards.

Bilal El Khannouss is the most obvious replacement. He already plays in that position at club level and can make better use of his vision in the centre than when deployed on the left. Against a Niger side expected to defend deep, his ability to operate between the lines and provide the final pass could be especially valuable.

Abdellah Ouazane could also be given an opportunity in the same role.

If a direct replacement does not work, Ouahbi could use the second game to switch to a 4-3-3. A midfield of Reda Belahyane, Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi would offer a different solution.

Belahyane could take responsibility for the first pass and protect the defence, while El Aynaoui would provide energy and Bouaddi greater freedom to move forward. The formation would reduce Morocco’s reliance on a single number 10 and offer an alternative against opponents who crowd the midfield.

Oufkir and the attack

Calling up Ayoub Oufkir after he won the battle to represent Morocco ahead of the Netherlands would have little value if the AZ Alkmaar player spent both matches on the bench. The 20-year-old left-footer offers a relatively unusual profile in the squad: a right winger who can cut inside, take on defenders and shoot with his stronger foot.

Niger are likely to leave limited space in central areas, making Oufkir’s individual ability potentially useful in shifting their defensive block. His inclusion could also allow Brahim Diaz to move inside at times rather than remaining permanently wide.

Youssef En-Nesyri’s return gives Ouahbi a target capable of occupying a low defensive line. The manager must decide whether the Al-Ittihad striker can quickly adapt to his approach after several months away from the squad.

At the same time, Morocco need to consider the future. Yassir Zabiri has made an impressive start to the season with Racing Santander and may merit more than a late substitute appearance. Starting both forwards across the two games would allow Morocco to compare En-Nesyri’s aerial presence and experience with Zabiri’s mobility, pressing and freedom.

A more attacking left side

Souffian El Karouani returns to the squad as Ouahbi considers another option on the left. The Benfica full-back could be used in an advanced role against Niger, while Abde Ezzalzouli is given greater licence to move into central positions.

That pairing would provide width against a compact defence and offer a different attacking pattern from the combinations involving Noussair Mazraoui or Anass Salaheddine. It would also give El Karouani the chance to show he can be more than a reserve option.

Two games against the same opponent allow Ouahbi to make several changes without losing all tactical continuity. Beating Niger will matter, but discovering another way for Morocco to win could prove almost as important.