Achraf Hakimi scores twice as Morocco beat Niger 5-1 in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Morocco maintained their perfect start to Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying with a 5-1 victory over Niger in the third round of Group A fixtures.

Achraf Hakimi scored twice, while Yasser Zabiri, Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub Oufkir were also on target for Morocco. Mohamed Abdourahmane scored Niger’s only goal.

The result leaves Morocco top of Group A with nine points from three matches. Niger remain third with three points.

Morocco took the lead after only four minutes when Zabiri converted from inside the penalty area following a cross from Brahim Diaz.

Hakimi doubled the advantage in the 27th minute with a powerful effort from outside the box which flew into the Niger goal.

Niger reduced the deficit four minutes before half-time through Abdourahmane.

However, Morocco restored their two-goal lead in first-half stoppage time. Hakimi converted a penalty in the 45+3rd minute to claim his second goal of the match and put his side 3-1 ahead.

Morocco added a fourth in the 77th minute when En-Nesyri finished from Hakimi’s pass.

Oufkir completed the scoring in the 90th minute with a shot from inside the penalty area.

The victory was Morocco’s third in qualifying, preserving their 100% record in the campaign.