Niger took a shock lead and showed their quality late Friday evening but the Atlas Lions of Morocco fought back and a late Bilal El Khannouss goal confirmed a 2-1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying victory in Oujda.
El Khannouss' header early in second half stoppage time arrived after fellow substitute Ismael Saibari canceled out the opening goal from Niger captain Youssouf Oumarou just after halftime.
But it was a bright start from the Menas of Niger who held their own in the first half and kept Morocco from dominating the match. Forced to play their home fixture in Morocco due to lacking a home venue approved by the Confederation of African Football, Niger neutralized the high flying Moroccan attack for long stretches.
And the Menas were rewarded for their resilience just after halftime. A clever set piece sprung right back Aboubacar Camara down the flank and his floated cross found defender Oumar Sako at the far post. Sako's header ricocheted off the post and a Moroccan defender before Oumarou smashed in the rebound from close range.
Displeased with the initial reaction to Oumarou's opener, Morocco coach Walid Regragui introduced three substitutions who made an immediate impact. Close to the hour mark, a cross from Brahim Díaz was flicked to the far post by Youssef En-Nesyri where Saibari arrived for a simple finish.
Niger continued to resist but struggled to create opportunities to keep the Moroccan team from laying siege to their goal. After escaping a couple of close calls, the dam finally broke in the first minute of stoppage time when Noussair Mazraoui played the ball to Díaz at the edge of the penalty area. The Real Madrid attacker produced a brilliant backheel return pass and Mazraoui's cross found El Khannouss wide open to head in the match winner.
Now, Tanzania is all that stands between Morocco and a massive lead at the top of Group E which has been severely affected by the withdrawal of Eritrea and the FIFA ban of the Republic of Congo. The Atlas Lions will host Tanzania on Tuesday where a victory will all but guarantee their qualification. Niger will face the national team of the Caribbean island of Bonaire on the same day in a friendly matrch.
Group E Table
GP | Points | |
Morocco | 4 | 12 |
Niger | 4 | 6 |
Tanzania | 3 | 6 |
Zambia | 4 | 3 |
Congo* | 3 | 0 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
*Congo were banned by FIFA in February and their status remains uncertain after their fixtures in the March window were canceled.
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