Morocco lead Niger 3-1 at half-time as Hakimi scores twice

Morocco took a commanding 3-1 half-time lead against Niger in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Friday.

Yasser Zabiri opened the scoring in the fourth minute, capping a fast start by the hosts after being played through by Ibrahim Diaz. The early goal gave Mohammed Wahbi’s side immediate control of the third-round fixture.

Achraf Hakimi doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 27th minute with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area, leaving Niger facing a difficult task before the interval.

Niger responded in the 41st minute when Mohamed Abdelrahman reduced the deficit, setting up an increasingly tense finish to the first half.

The visitors were handed a major opportunity to level in added time, but Youssef Ali Omar missed a penalty in the 45th minute. Morocco then punished Niger almost immediately, with Hakimi scoring his second goal in the third minute of stoppage time.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender found the net with a long-range free-kick, giving Morocco a two-goal advantage at the break.

Zabiri continues remarkable rise

Zabiri’s goal added another notable moment to the young forward’s rapid emergence in Moroccan football.

He was one of the standout players during the 2025 Under-20 World Cup in Chile, where Morocco won the competition for the first time. Zabiri scored five goals during the tournament, including both goals in the final as Morocco defeated Argentina 2-0.

The forward finished joint-top of the tournament’s scoring charts and was awarded the Silver Ball as the competition’s second-best player by FIFA. His performances played a central part in Morocco’s historic triumph.

Zabiri developed at the Mohammed VI Football Academy before beginning his professional career with Union Touarga. He subsequently joined Portuguese club Famalicao, then moved to French side Rennes in February 2026.

He later joined Spanish club Racing Santander on loan, where he continued to impress in front of goal at the beginning of his experience in Spanish football.

Morocco seek third successive win

Morocco began the match aiming to maintain their perfect record in qualifying. They had beaten Gabon and Lesotho 2-0 in their opening two matches, leaving them top of Group A with six points before facing Niger.

Niger entered the game with three points. They opened their campaign by defeating Lesotho 2-1, but then lost 2-0 to Gabon.

Morocco’s first-half performance put them on course for a third consecutive victory and further strengthened their position at the top of the group.