AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Morocco thrash Niger 5-1 to extend perfect qualifying run

Morocco continued their impressive start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over Niger in their Group A encounter at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Friday.

The Atlas Lions took the lead in the 10th minute when Yassir Zabiri finished off a pass from Brahim Diaz to put the hosts ahead.

Achraf Hakimi doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 35th minute with a powerful long-range effort, but Niger responded five minutes later through Abdourahmane, who headed home to reduce the deficit.

Niger were handed an opportunity to equalise after winning a penalty, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced an important save to preserve Morocco’s lead.

Hakimi then restored the two-goal cushion in first-half stoppage time, scoring directly from a free kick in the 48th minute.

Youssef En-Nesyri added a fourth in the 77th minute, converting Hakimi’s cross before substitute Ayoub Oufkir completed the scoring in the 90th minute.

The victory keeps Morocco top of Group A with nine points from three matches, while Niger remain on three points.