Morocco target third straight win in CAN 2027 qualifying against Niger

Morocco will look to preserve their perfect start to the Coupe d’Afrique des Nations 2027 qualifiers when they host Niger at Casablanca’s Stade Mohammed-V on Friday, 13 November at 21:00.

The Lions of Atlas have taken six points from their opening two Group A matches, beating Gabon and Lesotho by identical 2-0 margins. Niger are third with three points after one win and one defeat.

Morocco’s four goals have come without reply, underlining their defensive strength. They have kept clean sheets in three of their past four competitive matches and have conceded only twice in their last six Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games. They also recorded six clean sheets in their past eight matches in this competition.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side last played in October, drawing 1-1 with Mali in a friendly. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli put Morocco ahead from the penalty spot in the first half before Gaoussou Diarra equalised.

The hosts also have a dominant record against Niger, winning all six previous meetings and conceding only one goal. Morocco’s most recent home meeting with Niger came in World Cup qualifying in September 2025, when they recorded a 5-0 victory.

Niger began the current qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Lesotho but then lost 2-0 to Gabon. They were beaten by the same scoreline by Algeria in a friendly last month, leaving them with three defeats in their past four matches in all competitions.

Their victory against Lesotho is their only success in their last nine appearances, a run which also includes five defeats and three draws. Away from home, the Menas have lost two of their past four competitive matches.

Morocco facing several absences

Morocco have a number of important players unavailable for this international window. Ismael Saibari, Azzedine Ounahi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Soufiane Rahimi, Chadi Riad and Hamza Igamane are all out with injuries.

Sofyan Amrabat, Amine Harit and Amine Adli were not included in the squad, while Neil El Aynaoui withdrew after suffering an ankle problem during the camp. Samir El Mourabet was called up as his replacement.

There is better news with the return of Youssef En-Nesyri to the national team. Ayoub Oufkir has also received his first senior Morocco call-up.

Niger’s squad is made up largely of players from the domestic league, supported by experienced figures including Oumar Sako, Ali Mohamed, Daniel Sosah and Tidjani Amadou Moutari. Coach Nabil Neghiz has made notable omissions, with Hainikoye Abiboulaye and Amadou Wonkoye left out.

Niger are expected to defend in a compact, deep block, but Morocco’s attacking options and squad depth could prove decisive despite their absences. The forecast is for a 3-0 Morocco victory in Casablanca.