Morocco make changes for Niger clash as 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers continue

Morocco face Niger at the Complexe sportif Mohammed V in Casablanca on Friday, 13 November 2026, in the third round of the CAN 2027 qualifiers, with manager Mohamed Ouahbi expected to make several changes to his starting XI.

Morocco will be without key players Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Ismael Saibari and Ayoub El Kaabi. In their absence, Ouahbi is expected to prioritise balance and freshness against a Niger side likely to rely on direct football.

Issa Diop could partner Nayef Aguerd in central defence as Morocco look to deal with Niger’s forward approach. Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi are expected to provide youth and energy in midfield, while Brahim Diaz and Abde Ezzalzouli could support Youssef En-Nesyri against a deep defensive block.

Morocco’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui

Midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Bilal El Khannouss

Attackers: Brahim Diaz, Abde Ezzalzouli, Youssef En-Nesyri

Morocco v Niger is the latest fixture in the third round of the CAN 2027 qualifying campaign. Details regarding the match time, television channel and viewing options were not provided in the source material.

Niger will also be missing established players, with Victorien Adebayor and Mohamed Wonkoye left out because they have not been getting sufficient playing time. Head coach Nabil Neghiz is instead expected to place his trust in the team’s more experienced players based abroad.

Mohamed Abdouramane, who is familiar with football in Morocco, could help organise the Nigerien defence. In midfield, Youssouf Oumarou and Ali Mohamed are expected to form an experienced double pivot, giving the visitors greater protection in the centre of the pitch.

Niger may look to exploit spaces on the break by pairing the pace of Abdoul-Latif Djibril Goumey with the finishing ability of Daniel Sosah.

Niger’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Mahamadou Tanja

Defenders: Yacouba Diori, Oumar Sako, Mohamed Abdouramane, Rahim Alhassane

Midfielders: Ali Mohamed, Youssouf Oumarou, Mamane Sabo

Attackers: Tidjani Amadou Moutari, Daniel Sosah, Abdoul-Latif Djibril Goumey

Ahead of the match, betting company 1xbet lists Morocco as strong favourites, with a price of 1.12 for a home victory. A draw is priced at 7.60, while a Niger win is listed at 28.00.