Niger vs Morocco: Atlas Lions backed to strengthen AFCON 2027 qualifying lead

Morocco return to action against Niger on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, just four days after a 5-1 victory in the third round of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Already top of Group A with nine points, the Atlas Lions will look to confirm their superiority, while Niger must produce a much-improved performance to avoid another heavy defeat. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT.

Cameroonian sports journalist and betting expert Arthur Wandji has identified Morocco as the clear favourite, with a 0-3 victory priced at 5.50. A further selection is for Niger to register fewer than 2.5 corners, available at 1.76.

Niger have won once, drawn once and lost three times in their past five matches. Their only victory came against Lesotho, in a 2-1 success, while they drew 1-1 with Benin. Defeats by Mauritania (0-1), Gabon (0-2) and Morocco (1-5) followed, with the latest loss on 13 November highlighting their defensive problems.

The Mena will need to track Morocco’s attacking movements more effectively and reduce the gaps between their defensive and midfield lines. Niger have already conceded eight goals in three qualifying matches, an average of 2.67 per game.

Morocco’s recent record is considerably stronger, featuring three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five outings. They have beaten Gabon (2-0), Lesotho (2-0) and Niger (5-1) during the qualifying campaign. Achraf Hakimi scored twice in the most recent meeting, while Yassir Zabiri, Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub Oufkir also found the net.

The result left Morocco first in Group A on nine points after three matches. Mohamed Ouahbi has named a 25-player squad for this international window, with Niger’s group including a significant number of players from the domestic league. No additional confirmed injury or suspension absences have been indicated for Niger.

Morocco, however, are without Ismael Saibari, Azzedine Ounahi, Ayoub El Kaabi and Chadi Riad because of injuries. Soufiane Rahimi is also absent from the squad. Despite those setbacks, Mohamed Ouahbi can call on Brahim Diaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Yassir Zabiri and Youssef En-Nesyri. Ayoub Oufkir made his senior debut against Niger and enhanced his prospects by scoring.

Morocco have won their past five meetings with Niger and have scored nine goals in three qualifying matches, an average of three per game. Niger have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions.

The recommended bets are Morocco to win without conceding at 1.43, Morocco to score more than 1.5 goals at 1.21 and over 2.5 goals in the match at 1.36. Morocco’s 71% possession and 18 shots in the previous meeting, compared with Niger’s 29% possession and 13 shots, also support the selection of fewer than 2.5 Niger corners. Niger won only two corners in that match.

A 0-3 Morocco victory is considered the most likely exact score, although the hosts did score in the first encounter. The over-2.5-goals selection is supported by Morocco’s attacking form and Niger’s defensive record, with potential rotations and the match tempo the main factors that could affect the outcome.

Odds may change.