Morocco vs Niger | Highlights | AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Achraf Hakimi stole the show as Morocco defeated Niger 5-1 in the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers. The Moroccan captain scored two spectacular goals, provided an assist, and inspired the Atlas Lions to their third consecutive victory.
Morocco needed just four minutes to establish their dominance. Brahim Díaz delivered an excellent cross into the box, and Yassir Zabiri arrived to finish from close range, scoring his first goal of the qualifying campaign.
Mohamed Ouahbi's side took complete control from the opening minutes. Niger struggled to escape their own half as the hosts continued to create chances.
In the 15th minute, Achraf Hakimi tested the goalkeeper with a powerful long-range effort. Two minutes later, Brahim Díaz also tried his luck from distance, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.
Then came a moment of brilliance from the Moroccan captain.
In the 27th minute, Hakimi unleashed a sensational strike from outside the penalty area, sending the ball into the top corner. It was a spectacular goal that appeared to put Morocco firmly in control.
Niger Fight Back, but Bounou Saves the Day
Just when the match seemed settled, Niger produced an unexpected response.
In the 41st minute, Yassine Bounou made a costly mistake while coming off his line, allowing Mohamed Abdouramane to pull a goal back for the visitors.
It was the first goal Morocco had conceded in the qualifying campaign, and it briefly changed the momentum of the game.
With renewed confidence, Niger pushed forward and earned a penalty following a handball inside the box.
Youssouf Oumarou stepped up with the chance to equalize, but Bounou made a crucial save, redeeming himself after his earlier mistake.
And just before halftime, Morocco's captain delivered another moment of magic.
In the 45+3rd minute, Hakimi curled a brilliant direct free kick into the net to complete his brace and restore the hosts' two-goal advantage.
The Paris Saint-Germain star celebrated his first brace for the senior national team.
Hakimi Leads the Show as Morocco Complete the Rout
In the second half, Niger attempted to stay competitive, but Morocco regained control and began managing their advantage.
Hakimi nearly completed his hat-trick with a corner kick that almost went directly into the net. He later tested the goalkeeper again with another dangerous free kick.
In the 77th minute, the Moroccan captain added an assist to his outstanding performance.
His perfectly delivered cross found Youssef En-Nesyri, who only had to guide the ball into the net to make it 4-1.
But Morocco were not finished.
In the 89th minute, Ayoub Oufkir arrived inside the penalty area to finish a move down the left flank and score the Atlas Lions' fifth goal.
The victory takes Morocco to nine points from a possible nine, maintaining their perfect record and strengthening their position at the top of Group A.
Although they conceded their first goal of the qualifiers, Mohamed Ouahbi's team once again demonstrated their attacking quality.
Above everyone else stood Achraf Hakimi, whose remarkable individual display turned an important qualifying match into a night to remember.
Key Takeaways From Morocco's 5-1 Win Over Niger
- Achraf Hakimi delivered a sensational performance with two goals, including a brilliant free kick, and an assist for Youssef En-Nesyri.
- Yassine Bounou saved a crucial penalty that could have brought Niger level when the score was 2-1.
- Morocco secured their third consecutive victory and reached nine points in Group A of the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers.
