Nigervs.Morocco

The Atlas Lions currently lead the group with a perfect nine points from three matches and will secure automatic qualification if they maintain their dominance, while the Menas sit second with six points and will be eager to boost their chances of at least securing a play-off spot.

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 victory over Zambia before being awarded three points after Congo failed to turn up for their scheduled fixture in Kinshasa.

With six points to their name, the Menas have put themselves in a strong position in the five-team group, particularly 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 concerning, as they are winless in their last four outings, suffering a defeat to Burkina Faso in a friendly before playing out three consecutive draws.

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.

In contrast, Morocco are one of Africa's in-form sides and have enjoyed a remarkable run of results, with the Atlas Lions unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions and have won each of their last eight.

Their most recent outing saw them demolish Lesotho 7-0, part of a staggering run that has seen them score 21 goals in their last four matches while conceding just once.

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

Given that this fixture will take place in Morocco due to Niger's lack of an approved stadium, the Atlas Lions hold a clear advantage despite being the nominal away team.

Niger World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Niger form (all competitions):

L

D

L

L

W

W

Morocco World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Morocco form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

W

Team News

Niger boss Badou Ezaki has named a 25-man squad for this month's qualifiers, featuring a core group of players who participated in the last Africa Cup of Nations.

Promising 19-year-old forward Zakariyaou Ibrahim, who has been in fine form with eight goals in Cameroon's Elite One league this season, has earned his first call-up, while defender Aboubacar Camara, who plies his trade in Albania, is another fresh addition to the squad.

Morocco, however, have been dealt injury setbacks, with Hakim Ziyech and Ayoub El Kaabi both ruled out.

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

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

We say: Niger 0-3 Morocco

Written by

Joshua Cole

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