Hakimi double puts Morocco in control against Niger as Zabiri strikes early

Morocco took a 3-1 lead into half-time against Niger in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Friday, with Yasser Zabiri scoring inside four minutes and Achraf Hakimi adding two goals.

The hosts began at pace and were rewarded when Zabiri converted Brahim Diaz’s assist in the fourth minute. The goal reflected Morocco’s attacking start and gave Mohamed Ouahbi’s side an early advantage.

Hakimi extended the lead in the 27th minute with a powerful effort from outside the penalty area, leaving Morocco firmly in command.

Niger responded before the interval, with Mohammed Abdelrahman reducing the deficit in the 41st minute. The visitors then had an opportunity to draw level when Youssef Ali Omar missed a penalty in the 45th minute.

Morocco punished that failure in the third minute of added time. Hakimi found the net again, this time with a long-range free-kick, to restore a two-goal advantage and complete an eventful first half.

Zabiri continues rise after historic 2025

Zabiri’s goal added further significance to the progress of a young forward who has established himself as one of the leading emerging talents in Moroccan football.

He was a key figure in Morocco’s historic triumph at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where the team won the competition for the first time. Zabiri scored five goals during the tournament, including two in the final against Argentina, which Morocco won 2-0.

The striker finished as a joint-top scorer at the tournament and was awarded the Silver Ball as its second-best player by FIFA. His performances played an important part in Morocco’s world title.

Zabiri came through the Mohammed VI Football Academy before beginning his professional career with Union Touarga. He then moved to Portuguese club Famalicao and joined French side Rennes in February 2026.

He later joined Spanish club Racing Santander on loan, where he continued to make an impression in front of goal at the beginning of his experience in the Spanish league.

Morocco chasing a third straight win

Morocco began the match seeking a third consecutive victory in qualifying. They had beaten Gabon and Lesotho 2-0 in their first two matches, leaving them with six points and top of Group A before facing Niger.

Niger entered the game with three points. They opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Lesotho but then suffered a 2-0 defeat by Gabon.