Morocco’s attacking strength praised after Niger win, but Sahabi warns of defensive flaws

Morocco’s 5-1 victory over Niger in the CAN 2027 qualifiers highlighted the Lions of the Atlas’ attacking potential, but former Wydad de Casablanca and Kawkab de Marrakech coach Fouad Sahabi believes Mohamed Ouahbi’s side still has significant defensive work to do.

Sahabi selected Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou and Noussair Mazraoui as Morocco’s outstanding performers, while naming Issa Diop, Oussama Targhalline and Nayef Aguerd among those who failed to meet expectations.

His assessment relates only to the players’ performances against Niger and is not a definitive judgement on their overall ability.

Hakimi leads Morocco’s best performers

Sahabi placed captain Achraf Hakimi at the top of his list after the Paris Saint-Germain player influenced the game in both attack and build-up play.

Hakimi repeatedly exploited space in the final third and provided an attacking outlet beyond his defensive responsibilities. His first goal, a powerful strike from outside the area, underlined his ability to produce individual solutions. He later scored again at an important moment, giving Morocco a comfortable lead before half-time.

His confidence was also evident in an attempted direct corner which came close to becoming another goal.

Bounou was included after making the decisive contribution of the match. The Al-Hilal goalkeeper saved a penalty in the 42nd minute, preventing Niger from making it 2-2 and potentially changing the course of the contest.

The performance was particularly notable because it came in Bounou’s 100th appearance for the national team. Sahabi praised his experience, concentration and ability to perform under pressure, rather than judging his display solely by the number of saves he made.

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui completed the trio. He helped Morocco maintain defensive balance, contributed to the build-up and retained possession calmly when pressed. Although his attacking influence was not comparable with Hakimi’s, Sahabi considered his positioning, management of space and defensive support tactically sound.

Defensive concerns remain

Sahabi felt Issa Diop should have been more effective in tracking Niger’s attackers and providing security to the back line. Morocco conceded once and allowed several situations that brought Niger closer to Bounou’s goal, making concentration and defensive organisation areas for improvement.

Targhalline, meanwhile, was expected to have a greater influence in midfield. With Morocco enjoying considerable possession, Sahabi wanted him to link the lines more effectively, move the ball faster and turn control of the game into clearer chances.

Aguerd was judged to have delivered an ordinary performance without significant influence. Sahabi acknowledged that he made no clear individual error directly leading to a goal, but said defenders must remain fully focused even when Morocco dominates.

“The attacking sector is promising, but the defence still requires a lot of work,” Sahabi said, pointing to the penalty conceded in the 42nd minute as evidence of Morocco’s weaknesses in positioning, coordination and transitions.

Bounou’s save preserved the lead, before Hakimi scored Morocco’s third goal in first-half stoppage time. Sahabi warned that Morocco cannot always rely on its goalkeeper, particularly against stronger teams that will not offer the same space or chances as Niger.

Morocco will soon face Niger again in its fourth match of the CAN 2027 qualifying campaign.