AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Morocco vs Niger – Kickoff time and where to watch

Morocco will look to maintain their perfect start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign when they host Niger in Casablanca on Friday.

The Atlas Lions welcome Niger to the Mohammed V Stadium for their third Group A fixture, with Mohamed Ouahbi’s side aiming for a third consecutive victory to strengthen their position at the top of the group.

Morocco have collected six points from their opening two matches, recording identical 2-0 victories over Gabon and Lesotho.

Niger, meanwhile, are third with three points, having opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Lesotho before suffering a 2-0 defeat against Gabon.

The encounter will also mark Morocco’s return to the Mohammed V Stadium for the first time since June 2022, giving supporters in Casablanca another opportunity to watch the national team at the renovated venue.

Match details: Kick-off time and where to watch

• Fixture: Morocco vs Niger
• Competition: 2027 AFCON Qualifiers, Group A – Matchday 3
• Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
• Venue: Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca
• Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
• Broadcast: Arryadia TNT, Al Aoula TNT and beIN Sports 1

Morocco team news: En-Nesyri returns as Ouahbi deals with absences

Ouahbi will be without several established players for the November international window, including Azzedine Ounahi, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Chadi Riad and Hamza Igamane.

Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui has also withdrawn from the squad after arriving at the training camp with an ankle problem. Medical examinations established that he would not be able to participate at an optimal physical level, prompting the coach to call up Strasbourg midfielder Samir El Mourabet as his replacement.

However, the return of Youssef En-Nesyri provides Morocco with another attacking option alongside Brahim Diaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Yassir Zabiri.

AZ Alkmaar winger Ayoub Oufkir has also received his first senior international call-up, while Reda Belahyane and Soufiane El Karouani return to the squad.

Speaking at his press conference on November 4, Ouahbi explained that the two fixtures against Niger would provide an opportunity to assess different players while ensuring Morocco maintain their position in the qualifying group.

“The priority is qualification: winning both matches,” he said.

The absence of Ounahi and Saibari also leaves the coach with decisions to make in midfield, with Bilal El Khannouss, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Oussama Targhalline among those competing for starting places.

Niger team news: Neghiz names 25-man squad

Niger coach Nabil Neghiz has selected a 25-man squad for the two meetings with Morocco, including nine players from the country’s domestic championship.

Bologna defender Rahim Alhassane is among the experienced options, while Russia-based Oumar Sako, midfielder Ali Mohamed and striker Daniel Sosah have also been included.

Mohamed Abdouramane, who plays for Moroccan club RCA Zemamra, could also prove useful given his familiarity with football in the country.

Niger will be hoping to respond positively to their defeat against Gabon and strengthen their chances of remaining in contention for qualification.

Head-to-head: Morocco hold recent advantage

Morocco head into Friday’s encounter with a strong recent record against Niger.

The Atlas Lions claimed a 2-1 victory over their opponents in March 2025 before recording a convincing 5-0 win in September of the same year. Both encounters came during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Ouahbi’s side have also yet to concede a goal in the ongoing AFCON qualifiers, underlining their defensive strength heading into the fixture.

Niger, by contrast, have scored twice and conceded three goals in their opening two matches.

What to expect from Friday’s encounter

Morocco are expected to take control of possession and use their attacking quality to put the visitors under pressure.

Niger are likely to adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive organisation while looking for opportunities to threaten on the counterattack.

The match will also provide Ouahbi with an opportunity to assess his available attacking options in the absence of several regular starters.

The two sides will meet again on Tuesday, November 17, for the return fixture at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Niger will officially be the home team despite the match taking place in Morocco, as the country currently lacks a stadium approved to host the competition.