Morocco’s Hakimi double helps maintain perfect Africa Cup of Nations qualifying run

Morocco strengthened their position at the top of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group with a 5-1 victory over Niger on Friday.

Yasser Zbiri opened the scoring after only four minutes, before captain Achraf Hakimi doubled the advantage in the 27th minute. Mohamed Abderrahmane pulled one back for Niger shortly before half-time, but Hakimi restored Morocco’s two-goal lead in first-half stoppage time.

Youssef En-Nesyri added Morocco’s fourth in the 77th minute as the Atlas Lions secured another convincing win and continued their push for qualification. The result was recorded as 5-1.

Morocco attacked from the opening whistle and immediately placed Niger under pressure. The home side’s swift passing and movement created a series of opportunities, with Ibrahim Diaz, Bilal El Khannouss and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli particularly effective in unsettling the Niger defence.

Zbiri’s early goal came at the end of a well-worked move and rewarded Morocco’s aggressive start. His selection by manager Mohamed Wahbi was justified as the young forward gave his side an early lead and helped set the tone for the match.

Hakimi then extended Morocco’s advantage with a powerful finish from the right. The captain’s second goal came deep into added time at the end of the first half, following a quick counter-attack, leaving Morocco 3-1 ahead at the interval.

Niger attempted to respond after the break, with Mohamed Amadou Sabo and Ali Mohamed El Faze introduced in place of Abdoul Khairou Amoustapha and Oumarou Aliou Youssouf. Morocco, however, retained control of the game.

Defenders Nayef Aguerd, Issa Diop and Noussair Mazraoui helped limit Niger’s threat, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou also contributed to preserving Morocco’s advantage.

En-Nesyri put the result beyond doubt in the 77th minute. He rose inside the penalty area to meet a precisely delivered cross and directed a powerful header into the net, prompting celebrations among the Moroccan supporters.

The match also featured several bookings. Bilal El Khannouss was cautioned in the first half, while Abdoul Khairou Amoustapha and Oumarou Aliou Youssouf also received yellow cards, with the latter booked before the interval.

Morocco remain top of their qualifying group with nine goals, described as a perfect record, and continue to be presented as the leading candidates not only to reach the tournament but also to challenge strongly for the continental title.

Hakimi’s two-goal display underlined his influence at both ends of the pitch, while Zbiri emerged as one of the night’s leading performers after taking his opportunity in attack. The victory, listed in related information under 17 November 2026, leaves Morocco advancing confidently towards the Africa Cup of Nations.