Spurred on by a brace from Achraf Hakimi in Casablanca, the Atlas Lions won 5–1 and consolidated their top spot.
The return to the Casablanca crowd provided a particularly successful evening of sport for the senior national team. On Friday 13 November 2026, at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca, the Atlas Lions secured a resounding 5–1 victory over Niger on matchday three of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Thanks to this third consecutive win, following their 2–0 victories over Gabon and Lesotho, the players led by manager Mohamed Ouahbi now sit clear at the top of Group A with nine points, three points ahead of Gabon and well on their way to qualifying for the finals. The Nigeriens took the lead as early as the fourth minute thanks to a goal from Yassir Zabiri, who met a precise cross from Brahim Diaz, before captain Achraf Hakimi took the game into his own hands by doubling the lead in the 27th minute and then scoring a second goal just before half-time. Although Niger pulled one back through a header from Mohamed Abdourahmane in the 41st minute, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou preserved the two-goal lead at half-time by saving a penalty in stoppage time to mark his 100th international cap.
Squad depth confirmed despite absences
Deprived of several regular starters due to injury – notably Ismaël Saibari, Azzedine Ounahi, Neil El Aynaoui, Soufiane Rahimi, Chadi Riad and Ayoub El Kaabi – the Moroccan side demonstrated the depth of their technical talent throughout the second half. Far from letting up on their collective dominance, the team extended their lead in the 77th minute through striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who had come on as a substitute, before the young Ayoub Oufkir sealed the victory in the 90th minute by scoring his first international goal on his debut for the national team. This team performance means the Atlas Lions can approach the return leg, scheduled for Tuesday 17 November at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, with confidence; the outcome of this match could also see them climb the world rankings compiled by the International Federation of Association Football, where they currently occupy seventh place.
Benefits for sports development and the profile of stadiums
The successful integration of young players from the national youth development programmes alongside experienced senior players illustrates the effectiveness of the organisational work carried out in recent years at the Kingdom’s technical centres and academies. In terms of event management, the enthusiasm of the crowds in the refurbished stands in Casablanca confirms the ability of Moroccan stadiums to host major events under optimal conditions of safety and comfort. This enthusiasm for the national team directly supports the activities of professionals in the hotel, catering and urban transport sectors, whilst enhancing the image of a country fully committed to major international sporting events.
