Morocco weigh experience and rotation as Niger test looms

Morocco will look to strengthen their position at the top of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group when they face Niger at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca.

The Atlas Lions have six points from two matches after 2-0 victories against Gabon and Lesotho, while Niger are third with three points. That advantage has raised the question of whether coach Mohamed Ouahbi should rest key players or retain his established names to move closer to early qualification.

Moroccan coach Youssef Merini, who has managed Moghreb de Tetouan, Olympique de Khouribga, Renaissance de Berkane, KAC de Kenitra, AS Sale and Chabab Atlas Khenifra, believes a balance between continuity and rotation will be needed.

Key players could be managed

Merini does not think Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Yassine Bounou should necessarily all start, but he also warns against making wholesale changes.

He regards Hakimi as particularly important to Morocco’s attacking play, highlighting the Paris-based full-back’s pace, movement behind the defence and ability to create numerical advantages on the right. Mazraoui’s versatility, his capacity to play on either flank and his quality when building from the back under pressure are also viewed as significant.

Bounou, meanwhile, provides experience, leadership and calmness to the defence, even in matches when Morocco are not under sustained pressure. Merini says the players’ international statistics should not influence selection, with the final decision resting on the collective needs of the team.

Neil El Aynaoui will miss the next two matches after suffering an ankle injury. Following medical examinations, he was released from the squad to continue his treatment and rehabilitation.

His replacement, Strasbourg midfielder Samir El Mourabet, gives Ouahbi another option in midfield, although Merini does not expect him necessarily to start after joining the squad late. Aynaoui’s absence may also require changes to the balance between defensive work and build-up play, with Ayyoub Bouaddi, Reda Belahyane, Oussama Targhalline and Bilal El Khannouss among the possible solutions.

Merini’s predicted line-up

Merini expects Niger to defend compactly, close the central areas and seek opportunities through quick counter-attacks and set-pieces. Morocco will need patience, rapid ball circulation, switches of play and vertical passing to break down that structure.

He identifies Brahim Diaz and Abde Ezzalzouli as players capable of winning individual duels, while Youssef En-Nesyri’s movement and presence in the penalty area could unsettle the Niger defence.

His predicted 4-3-3 is:

Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Nayef Aguerd, Anass Salah-Eddine; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Reda Belahyane, Bilal El Khannouss; Brahim Diaz, Youssef En-Nesyri, Abde Ezzalzouli.

Merini says Munir El Kajoui could feature in one of the two matches against Niger because of the congested schedule. He also expects Samir El Mourabet, Ayoub Oufkir and Yassir Zabiri to provide options from the bench.

A win would consolidate Morocco’s lead before the return fixture in Rabat on 17 November. Merini predicts a 2-0 victory, while warning that the match could become more difficult if Niger successfully limit Morocco’s attacking influence.