Ayyoub Bouaddi provided an assist as Morocco beat Niger 5-1 on Friday, while five players with Manchester City connections featured in England Under-21s’ defeat by Portugal.

Bouaddi set up Achraf Hakimi during Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Casablanca, where the hosts maintained their perfect start to Group A. England’s Under-21s, meanwhile, lost 1-0 at Ashton Gate despite the involvement of Rico Lewis and four City players currently on loan.

Bouaddi sets up Hakimi in Morocco victory

Morocco took the lead after four minutes through Yassir Zabiri before Bouaddi assisted Hakimi’s first goal in the 27th minute. Mohamed Abdourahmane pulled a goal back for Niger, but Hakimi scored again in first-half stoppage time to restore Morocco’s two-goal advantage.

Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub Oufkir added second-half goals to complete the victory. Bouaddi, making his 11th senior international appearance, completed 96% of his passes and won eight duels, according to Manchester City’s official match report.

Morocco face Niger again on Tuesday 17 November.

Lewis among City players in England U21 defeat

Rico Lewis started as England Under-21s lost 1-0 to Portugal in Bristol. Afonso Moreira scored the only goal in the 28th minute, beating goalkeeper Tommy Setford with a low shot. Lewis was joined in the starting line-up by City-owned defender Max Alleyne, currently on loan at Burnley, and striker Divin Mubama, who is on loan at Southampton.

Stephen Mfuni, on loan at Coventry City, and Divine Mukasa, currently with West Ham, both came off the bench.

England’s best chance fell to substitute Mikey Moore in the second half, but Portugal goalkeeper Joao Carvalho kept out his effort. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was also in the England squad but remained an unused substitute. according to the Football Association’s official match report.

Lee Carsley’s side face France on Monday 16 November as preparations continue for next summer’s European Under-21 Championship.

Haaland and Dias in Saturday international action

More City players are scheduled to represent their countries on Saturday. Erling Haaland’s Norway face Wales at 5pm GMT, while Ruben Dias’ Portugal take on Denmark at 7.45pm GMT. Brazil also face Japan at 10.15am GMT, with Allan and Vitor Reis included in the squad.

The fixtures are listed in City’s official November international guide.

Manchester City return to Premier League action against Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 21 November.