Morocco have been the most dominant national team in Africa when it comes to qualifying for major competitions. In a Group E that has been disrupted by off the pitch issues involving two nations, the Atlas Lions are set to run away from the competition. But March presents opportunities, even if the odds are low, for Niger and Tanzania to pose a threat if one of them can get a result in the North African nation.
Group E Table
GP | Points | |
Morocco | 3 | 9 |
Niger | 3 | 6 |
Tanzania | 3 | 6 |
Zambia | 4 | 3 |
Congo* | 3 | 0 |
Eritrea** | 0 | 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's federation (FECOFOOT) was suspended by FIFA "until further notice" due to government interference on February 6.
**Eritrea withdrew before qualifying began due to reported concerns that players would seek political asylum upon traveling outside the country.
March Fixtures
March 21- Niger vs Morocco (Oujda, Morocco)
March 25- Morocco vs Tanzania (Oujda, Morocco)
Evaluation
Group E has been completely upended, first by the withdrawal of minnows Eritrea and then last month's FIFA suspension handed down to the Republic of Congo due to an ongoing issue of competing entities vying for control of the country's football affairs. However, there is one thing that is undisputed: Morocco are heavy favorites to seize control of the group and pull away from the pack.
There will only be two matches played during the March window in the group, both of which will be held in Morocco. Due to a lack of approved home venue by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Niger will have to host their "home" match against the Atlas Lions in Morocco while Tanzania are away to the North African nation. Morocco have not lost a competitive home match in World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations qualifying in over fifteen years when they lost 0-2 to Cameroon in the qualifying competition for both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
Key Players
Youssef En-Nesyri- Morocco (Club: Fenerbahçe [TUR])
There is no such thing as a guaranteed place in the team of Morocco coach Walid Regragui. Despite his breakout performance during Morocco's famous run to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, En-Nesyri has seen his role reduced at times in favor of Ayoub El Kaabi.
Even with El Kaabi injured, Soufiane Rahimi and new call up Hamza Igamane offer plenty of competition but En-Nesyri should get a chance to solidify his role to Regragui against Niger while suspense still remains in Group E.
Youssouf Oumarou- Niger (Club: Al Karma [IRQ])
The 32-year-old midfielder is a well known player in African club football with successful spells in North Africa, particularly with Tunisian clubs US Monastir and Stade Tunisien. Now in Iraqi club football, Oumarou remains a crucial component for the Nigerien team in the heart of the midfield.
With strong defensive attributes as well as composure on the ball, Oumarou elevates the Menas into an intriguing team that has proven their ability to compete with more highly rated African sides. With the unique circumstances in Group E and a positive start to the campaign, Oumarou and Niger have nothing to lose against Morocco and it is not impossible for them to earn a result in March.
Clement Mzize- Tanzania (Club: Young Africans)
With long time striker Ally Samatta being dropped by coach Hamed Suleiman in his squad announcement, it appears that Tanzania are finally ready to turn the page and invest in their younger attackers. Mzize continues to grow and develop with top Tanzanian club Young Africans in the nation's Mainland Premier League and CAF club competitions with his highlight reel goals and ball striking ability.
However, becoming the contributor the Taifa Stars require to be able to truly compete in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations or qualify for a World Cup is another task entirely. The likes of Mzize and Simba SC forward Kibu Denis have yet to prove they can produce against a team like Morocco which reduces Tanzania to a team with a reliable defense but little attacking potency. Let's see if Mzize can make a statement this month in Morocco.
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