Hakimi’s stunning double puts Morocco in control against Niger
Morocco took a commanding 3-1 lead over Niger into half-time in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Friday, with Achraf Hakimi producing two spectacular goals at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. Yasser Zabiri opened the scoring early, while Niger briefly threatened to turn the contest into a tighter affair before Hakimi struck again in added time.
The result carried significance beyond the scoreline. Morocco were aiming to preserve their perfect start to qualification and strengthen their position at the top of Group One. Their fast start reflected the confidence built from consecutive 2-0 wins over Gabon and Lesotho, while Niger arrived hoping to recover from a defeat to Gabon and add to their opening victory against Lesotho.
Fast start gives Morocco early control
The hosts needed only four minutes to break through. Brahim Diaz supplied a decisive pass into the attacking area, and Zabiri finished the move to give Morocco an early advantage. The goal rewarded a lively opening spell, with the Atlas Lions pushing forward quickly and looking to make the most of their home support.
Zabiri’s finish also underlined the depth of Morocco’s attacking options. While Hakimi is widely recognised for his pace and influence from right-back, the young forward offered a different threat, showing the sharp movement and composure needed to turn a promising chance into an early goal.
Morocco continued to apply pressure, and their second goal arrived in the 27th minute. Hakimi collected the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful long-range shot that flew past Niger’s goalkeeper. The strike gave Mohamed Ouahbi’s side a two-goal cushion and brought the home crowd to its feet.
Niger respond, but Hakimi delivers again
Niger refused to let the match slip away without a fight. Mohamed Abdul Rahman reduced the deficit in the 41st minute, giving the visitors renewed hope just before the break. His goal changed the mood of the closing stages and put pressure on Morocco to respond rather than simply manage their advantage.
The visitors then had an opportunity to make it 2-2 in first-half stoppage time after being awarded a penalty. Youssef Ali Omar stepped up but failed to convert, leaving Niger unable to capitalise on a potentially decisive moment.
Morocco made the miss count. In the third minute of added time, Hakimi curled a long-range free-kick into the net to restore the hosts’ two-goal lead. The defender’s second goal was very different from his first, but just as impressive: one was a forceful strike from open play, the other a carefully placed set-piece finish.
Hakimi’s brace highlighted his value as more than a defensive presence. His ability to contribute from distance gives Morocco an additional attacking weapon, particularly when opponents defend deep or leave space outside the penalty area. For Niger, the late free-kick was a painful setback after the missed penalty had offered a route back into the contest.
Zabiri’s rise adds another storyline
Zabiri’s early goal was notable not only because it set Morocco on their way, but also because of the forward’s rapid rise through the country’s football system. He emerged as one of the standout players of Morocco’s historic Under-20 World Cup campaign in Chile in 2025, when the team won the title for the first time.
The striker scored five goals during that tournament, including both goals in Morocco’s 2-0 final victory over Argentina. His performances helped him finish as a joint top scorer and earn the Silver Ball, awarded to the competition’s second-best player. That success established Zabiri as one of the most promising young talents in Moroccan football.
His development began at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, a key part of Morocco’s efforts to nurture young players. He later moved into professional football with Union Touarga before joining Portuguese club Famalicao. A move to Rennes followed in February 2026, and he subsequently joined Spanish side Racing Santander on loan.
Finding the net for the senior national side offers another important step in that progression. Zabiri’s performance against Niger suggests he can bring his youth-level confidence into the international game, although continued opportunities and consistent club minutes will be important as he adapts to football at a higher level.
What the result means for Group One
Morocco entered the match with six points after beating Gabon and Lesotho by identical 2-0 scorelines. Those results had placed them at the top of Group One, and a win over Niger would further strengthen their position in the race for qualification to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Niger began the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Lesotho but then lost 2-0 to Gabon, leaving them with three points before travelling to Casablanca. Their first-half response showed they could trouble Morocco, but the missed penalty and Hakimi’s late free-kick made the task considerably harder.
Match prediction and key takeaway
At 3-1 at half-time, Morocco were strongly placed to secure another qualifying victory, but Niger’s goal showed why the hosts could not afford to relax. The key question for the second half was whether Morocco would continue attacking or focus on controlling possession and protecting their lead. Hakimi’s two goals and Zabiri’s early finish gave the Atlas Lions a clear advantage, while Niger needed a rapid response to keep the match competitive.
For Morocco, the first half offered encouraging signs: established stars such as Hakimi and Diaz combined effectively with an emerging talent in Zabiri. That blend of experience and youth could be valuable throughout the qualifying campaign. Niger, meanwhile, showed resilience but were left to rue a missed penalty and the timing of Hakimi’s free-kick as the teams headed into the interval.
