Analyzing the Morocco National Team's Performance Against Niger
SPORT
3/22/20254 min read
Introduction
The recent match between the Morocco national football team and Niger, #morocconiger, showcased the evolving dynamics of African football. With Moroccan players rising in prominence both domestically and internationally, this game served as a notable benchmark for assessing their current form.
Match Overview
In this highly anticipated fixture, Morocco, known for its robust footballing prowess, faced Niger, a side that has been steadily improving over the years. The match commenced with both teams demonstrating their tactical acumen, but it was Morocco that quickly took control. Their superior possession and strategic ball movement established an early advantage. The key players from Morocco, including their attacking forwards and midfield generals, were essential in breaking down Niger's defenses.
Player Highlights
One of the standout performers from the Morocco national team was Achraf Hakimi, whose exquisite crosses and pace on the flanks were instrumental in creating goal-scoring opportunities. Additionally, Youssef En-Nesyri proved to be a relentless threat with his aerial ability and clinical finishing. This match not only highlighted individual talent but also emphasized the collective team effort that has become synonymous with Moroccan football.
Defensive Strategies
Niger, although operating as the underdog, displayed resilience in their defensive organization. Despite finding themselves on the back foot for significant stretches, they managed to contain several Moroccan attacks through disciplined defensive tactics. Their goalkeeper, in particular, was crucial in thwarting attempts that could have otherwise led to a lopsided score. Such performances from Niger highlight their potential for future tournaments.
Mach Analysis
Morocco hosted Niger at the Oujda Stadium on Friday, March 21, as part of the 5th day of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The opportunity for the Atlas Lions to consolidate their first place in Group E. The obstacle embodied by the Menas proved to be more difficult to overcome than expected.
It was time for Walid Regragui to reunite with Badou Zaki, his mentor and former national team coach, when the native of Corbeil-Essonnes was still playing as a professional player during the 2000s.
For this important match between Niger and Morocco with the aim of qualifying for the next World Cup - which will take place in Canada, the United States and Mexico - Regragui did not have any particular surprises in store, opting for a classic in all lines.
This apart from the presence of Yamiq (33 years old), privileged in central defence to accompany Aguerd, in the absence of Chadi Riad and in the position that presented the most uncertainty.
The team played in a hybrid 4-3-3 that could be transformed into a 4-2-3-1 with Ben Seghir and Brahim Diaz as creators, Rahimi on the left side and En-Nesyri at the head of the attack.
On the right flank was Hakimi, named captain for the evening, and on the left was Mazraoui, while in the middle were the players Amrabat and Ounahi and Bounou was in goal.
Of the five new players, only three were on the bench, namely Benabid, Nadir and Igamane. Also, no El Kaabi, injured, or Ziyech, last called up in September last year.
Niger were tough from the start of the match, placing two defensive buses and making the task more difficult for the Lions. This did not prevent Ben Seghir from making a breakthrough on the left and entrusting the ball to Rahimi, who could not find the target.
A double Moroccan attempt followed: Aguerd was the author of a clear left-footed shot from 30 meters which crashed against Djibo's post at first, then Ben Seghir recovered the ball in a second time, and saw his shot go just over the target.
The Atlas Lions continued to wiper in the opponent's half, confining the ball to the sides, while the wingers and full-backs made many crosses. One of them found En-Nesyri (following a pass from Hakimi), without danger for the visitors.
Nothing else to report in this first half, frustrating for Regragui's players, who could not find the opponent's net with a sterile domination.
From the 47th minute, the Menas combined on a free kick and Youssouf Oumarou concluded from close range and against the run of play (0-1).
In order to get back into the game, Ben Seghir tried his luck again from distance, but found a vigilant Djibo.
It was also the time chosen for Regragui to bring in new blood, which would prove to be beneficial in the face of the lack of solutions. Ben Seghir was replaced by Saibari, Ounahi was replaced by Khannouss and Ezzalzouli replaced a half-hearted Rahimi.
From then on, the locals were more incisive. Amrabat found Saibari in the middle with a brilliant pass, but the latter missed his shot.
The same Saibari was then at the end of a move initiated by Diaz on the right side, whose curling cross was deflected by En-Nesyri and then extended into the back of the net by the No.11 (591-1).
The national team showed a completely different face since the substitutions made, so much so that one could wonder if the starting eleven concocted by Regragui, with a transparent Ounahi and a Rahimi out of form, was judicious.
In this second half, En-Nesyri was also found a lot as a pivot, who often managed to make his size speak for itself in the opponent's half. The latter missed his one-on-one with the goalkeeper at the end of the match, then was replaced by Igamane, who was playing his first minutes in the national colors.
And while we were heading straight for a disappointing draw, Khannouss scored with a header at the end of a beautiful move that started on the left side with a one-two between Mazraoui and Diaz, in the second minute of added time, the fourth official had meanwhile signalled 9 minutes of stoppage time (922-1).
With only wins, Morocco remains at the top of Group E with 12 points, ahead of Niger and Tanzania, both at 6 points, Zambia, 3 points, and Congo, 0 points.