Achraf Hakimi scored twice and created another goal as Morocco beat Niger 5-1 at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Friday, strengthening their position at the top of Group A in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back struck in the 27th and 45+3rd minutes before setting up Youssef En-Nesyri in the 77th minute.
The performance made Hakimi the first player to record 20 assists for Morocco since the turn of the 21st century. His latest contribution further underlined his importance to the national team, as well as his growing influence in the final third despite playing at right-back.
Hakimi has now been involved in nine goals across his last five appearances for club and country, scoring five and providing four assists.
Morocco also extended a significant home record in qualifying for major tournaments. According to French network Stats Foot, the victory was their 16th successive home win in Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying matches – their best run in this type of competition.
The hosts made a fast start against Niger, taking the lead after four minutes when Yassir Zabiri finished a move created by Brahim Diaz.
Hakimi doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 27th minute with a powerful effort from outside the penalty area, giving Mohamed Ouahbi’s side control of the match.
Niger reduced the deficit in the 41st minute through Mohamed Abd ar-Rahman, setting up a tense finish to the first half.
The visitors then had an opportunity to equalise when Youssef Ali Omar missed a penalty in the 45th minute. Morocco responded immediately, with Hakimi scoring his second goal in the third minute of added time.
His long-range free-kick restored the hosts’ two-goal advantage and sent Morocco into the interval 3-1 ahead.
Morocco continued to dominate after the restart, with Hakimi turning creator as En-Nesyri added a fourth in the 77th minute. Ayoub Ouafkir completed the scoring in the 90th minute.
The result leaves Morocco top of Group A with nine points, three clear of second-placed Gabon. Niger remain third on three points, while Lesotho are bottom without a point.
