Morocco host Niger on Friday, 13 November, in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Mohamed Ouahbi’s side aiming to strengthen their position at the top of Group A.

The match is being played at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 local time in most reporting, or 20:00 in Morocco.

Morocco began the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Gabon before recording the same score away to Lesotho. They have six points from two matches, with four goals scored and none conceded.

That record puts them first in Group A on goal difference, although Gabon moved level on points after beating Lesotho 2-0 earlier on Friday.

Ouahbi has been forced to make several changes because of injuries. Azzedine Ounahi, Neil El Aynaoui, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi and Chadi Riad are all unavailable.

Oussama Targhalline starts in midfield, while Bilal El Khannouss is selected as the number 10 and Yassir Zabiri leads the attack. Ayoub Oufkir is eligible to play but begins on the bench, alongside Youssef En-Nesyri.

Morocco took the lead when Ouazane broke into the left side of the penalty area. Oufkir arrived at the far post and drove the ball into an unguarded net, scoring on his first appearance for the national team.

There was also danger from a cross by En-Nesyri, although Tandja and a defender combined to block two efforts. Another attempt from the right was later deflected inside the area.

For Niger, coached by Algerian Nabil Neghiz, the qualification campaign has produced mixed results. The Mena opened with a 2-1 win against Lesotho but then lost 2-0 to Gabon. They entered the match third in the group with three points.

Morocco made a number of changes during the game. Belahyane replaced Targhalline, while El Khannouss was also taken off. Oufkir made his first international appearance when he came on for Ez Abde, and En-Nesyri replaced Zabiri.

The Al-Ittihad striker headed in a cross from Ez Abde shortly after coming on, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Belahyane later released Hakimi, whose cross into the middle was turned in by En-Nesyri, who finished like a striker alert to an opportunity.

A Manchester United player, described in the live updates as becoming increasingly frustrated, was replaced by El Karouani. Niger also made changes, with Moutari and Sosah making way for Kader and Soumana.

Niger do not have a stadium approved by CAF, meaning both of their matches against Morocco will be played in Morocco. The return fixture is scheduled for 17 November in Rabat.