Real Betis winger Abde played 75 minutes on Friday as Morocco cruised to a 5-1 victory over Niger at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca during their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The win keeps the Atlas Lions perfect in Group A with nine points from three matches, maintaining absolute control of the standings. Diario ABC reported that the hosts wasted no time taking command when Brahim Díaz set up Racing forward Yassir Zabiri for the opening goal just four minutes into the match.

Achraf Hakimi doubled the lead in the 27th minute by driving a long-range shot past the Niger goalkeeper. Niger responded before halftime when Abdourahmane scored with a header past Youssef El Motie in the 40th minute, and the visitors nearly equalized soon after when they earned a penalty kick.

Yassine Bono preserved the lead by stopping the penalty attempt. Hakimi then restored a two-goal cushion just before the interval, curling a free kick from roughly 35 meters into the net during first-half stoppage time.

Morocco added two more goals after the break to turn the result into a rout. Youssef En-Nesyri scored in the 77th minute, and Ayoub Oufkir capped the scoring in the 90th minute shortly after replacing Abde.

Abde made way for Oufkir with fifteen minutes remaining in regulation, having contributed to an attacking display that left the Atlas Lions firmly on top of their qualifying group.

Morocco will face Niger again on Tuesday, November 17, at 21:00 local time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.