World Cup Qualifying - Africa | Group Stage

Mar 21, 2025 at 9.30pm UK

Stade d'Honneur d'Oujda

Niger vs Morocco

Match preview

Niger endured a frustrating start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tanzania in November, but they responded well with a 2-1 win over Zambia before being awarded three points when Congo failed to turn up for their scheduled match in Kinshasa.

Six points put the Menas in a strong position in the five-team group, especially after Eritrea's withdrawal, and a positive result against Morocco would further strengthen their bid for a top-two finish.

However, Niger's recent form is worrying as they are winless in their last four matches, having lost a friendly to Burkina Faso before drawing three in a row.

Their historical record against Morocco also makes for grim reading, with four defeats in as many meetings, conceding eight goals and failing to score in any of those encounters.

Morocco, on the other hand, are one of Africa's most in-form sides and have enjoyed a remarkable run of results, with the Atlas Lions unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions and winning each of their last eight.

In their most recent outing, they thrashed Lesotho 7-0, part of a dazzling run that has seen them score 21 goals and concede just once in their last four matches.

Walid Regragui's men have been flawless in World Cup qualifying so far, winning all three of their games, scoring 10 goals and conceding just once to top Group E.

With this match being played in Morocco due to Niger's lack of an approved stadium, the Atlas Lions have a clear advantage despite being the nominal away team.

Recent Performance

Niger World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:LWW

Niger form (all competitions):LDLLWW

Morocco World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:WWW

Morocco form (all competitions):WWWWWW

Team News

Niger coach Badou Ezaki has named a 25-man squad for this month's qualifiers, with a core group of players who featured at the recent Africa Cup of Nations retaining their places.

Promising 19-year-old striker Zakariyaou Ibrahim, who has been in fine form with eight goals in Cameroon's Elite One this season, earns his first call-up, while Albania-based defender Aboubacar Camara is another new addition.

Morocco, on the other hand, have been hit by injury, with Hakim Ziyech and Ayoub El Kaabi both ruled out.

Regragui has called up a number of new faces, including Bilal Nadir, Chemsedine Taibi, Hamza Igamane and Omar El Hilali.

Possible starting lineup

Niger possible starting lineup:

Tanja; Garba, Katakore, Sako, Alhassane; Hainikoye, Mohamed, Badamassi, Amoustapha; Sosah

Morocco possible starting lineup:

Bono; Mazraoui, Aguerd, Harkass, Hakimi; Amrabat, Ounahi; Saibari, Ben Seghir, Diaz; En-Nesyri