On March 21, 2025, the Moroccan national football team, the Lions of the Atlas, faced off against Niger in the fifth matchday of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the renowned Stade d’Honneur in Oujda, Morocco. Expectations were high for the Moroccan side, which entered the match confident in its place atop Group E.
The Atlas Lions, coached by Walid Regragui, had secured nine points from their first three games, defeating Tanzania (2-0), Zambia (2-1), and Congo (6-0). Their performance put them in a strong position ahead of this crucial qualifier against Niger, who were in a joint second place with six points.
Broadcast live at 9:30 PM local time on Arryadia Live HD, SSC Extra 1 HD, and L'Equipe TV, the match drew considerable attention from fans eager to see if Morocco could maintain their winning streak. Historically, the Moroccan team has enjoyed success against Niger, winning the last three encounters between the two nations and leading the all-time series 6-1.
Walid Regragui aimed to further solidify his team’s strategy in the lead-up to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025, which will also take place in Morocco. With the group stages nearing conclusion, Regragui sought valuable insights into his squad's strengths and weaknesses against a competitive opponent.
As the match kicked off, it became immediately clear that Moroccan players dominated the early exchanges, creating several opportunities. However, they were met with a resilient and tactical defensive setup from Niger, managed by former Moroccan international Badou Zaki. Zaki's tactical approach focused on disrupting the Moroccan rhythm, relying on counterattacks while securing their defenses.
After several minutes of pressure from Morocco, the breakthrough came surprisingly from the home team. In a shocking twist, Youssouf Oumarou scored the opening goal for Niger shortly after halftime, catching Morocco off guard and sending the crowd into jubilation. This unexpected goal emphasized the unpredictable nature of football, as Morocco had been heavily favored by bookmakers, with odds reflecting their recent form.
In the lead-up to the match, bookmakers rated Morocco’s chances at an impressive 1.05 for victory, but Niger’s tenacity indicated that the match would be anything but a one-sided affair. The Moroccan side, having scored a total of 10 goals in their previous qualifiers, needed to respond quickly to maintain their status.
As the match progressed, Morocco’s attempts to equalize were at times desperate and disjointed against Niger’s organized defense. Regragui, who called up 26 players for these qualifiers, aimed to capitalize on the depth of his squad. Among the new faces in the lineup were Omar El Hilali and Hamza Igamane, both of whom brought fresh energy. However, the absence of key player Ayoub El Kaabi, sidelined due to injury, was palpably felt on the pitch.
Throughout the first half, Morocco had the upper hand with possession and shots on goal, but Niger remained resolute. The defensive strategies paid off, successfully limiting Morocco's scoring opportunities.
Walid Regragui emphasized the importance of these qualifiers for his team's preparation ahead of the scheduled CAN. Following the game, he noted, “We have work to do. While today’s match was a setback, it’s an opportunity to identify what needs improvement.” This match served to point out the areas needing refinement as the Lions look ahead to their next qualifier against Tanzania on March 25, 2025.
As the clock ticked down to the final whistle, Niger held onto their lead, showcasing impressive discipline and tactical awareness under pressure, something Zaki instilled in his team. The victory not only secured vital points for Niger but also further complicated Morocco’s path to qualification.
The tension culminated as the match drew to a close, and the scoreboard confirmed Niger’s triumph over Morocco—a reality steeped in football's capacity for surprises. As fans cheered in disbelief, Morocco's streak was put to a halt, reminding everyone that in the realm of football, anything can happen.
With the conclusion of the match, the focus now shifts to the next phase of the qualifiers, where the Lions of the Atlas must regroup and strategize effectively to secure their place in the upcoming World Cup in 2026. With the next match against Tanzania looming, supporters are hopeful that Morocco can bounce back, reclaim their winning form, and navigate the remaining challenges of qualifying successfully.
