Morocco thrash Niger 5-1 as Mohammed Vahbi demands more from Atlas Lions

Morocco moved to nine points at the top of Group A in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after a 5-1 win over Niger in Casablanca on Friday.

The result was a strong statement of intent from Mohammed Vahbi’s side, who pressed high, won the ball back quickly and committed numbers to attack from the opening whistle.

Yasser Zabiri put the hosts ahead in the fourth minute after being set up by Brahim Diaz, before Achraf Hakimi doubled the advantage in the 27th minute at the Mohammed V Sports Complex.

Morocco then had a third goal ruled out, a decision which surprised Vahbi and briefly altered the rhythm of the match. The coach said the decision allowed Niger back into the contest, although he accepted that his players also contributed by making mistakes.

Mohamed Abdelrahman reduced the deficit in the 41st minute, but Hakimi restored Morocco’s two-goal lead in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, scoring his second of the game.

Vahbi said the early approach had been designed to prevent Niger, who defended deep and kept their lines close together, from settling into the match.

“We wanted to start with great intensity, be aggressive in our pressing, maintain a constant counter-press and take advantage of every attack,” he said in comments reported by Moroccan website Hespress.

The coach added that his staff had worked in training on pressing, increasing the number of players in advanced positions and improving the speed of transitions from defence to attack.

Morocco continued to control the second half while maintaining a balance between attacking ambition and defensive discipline. Youssef En-Nesyri had one goal disallowed for offside before scoring Morocco’s fourth in the 77th minute.

Ayoub Aufkir completed the scoring in the 90th minute to seal a 5-1 victory. Vahbi said the result delivered what he had asked for: “A beautiful win, three points, a good performance, intensity and desire.”

He nevertheless identified areas that Morocco must improve, including coping with opponents who press high and finding solutions against teams that defend in compact formations. Vahbi also acknowledged that his attacking philosophy carries risks and requires greater organisation when possession is lost.

The coach said his players wanted both to entertain Morocco’s supporters and send a message that beating the team on home soil would not be easy.

The match also marked Yassine Bounou’s 100th international appearance for Morocco. The Atlas Lions have won all three of their qualifiers, having previously defeated Gabon and Lesotho 2-0.

Gabon are second in the group with six points, while Niger have three. Morocco will face Niger again on Tuesday at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with Vahbi aiming to extend the winning run while correcting the weaknesses exposed in the first meeting.