Africa Cup of Nations qualifier: Oufkir scores first goal as Morocco win 5-1
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Le Matin, TelQuel, Maroc Diplomatique and Africa Top Sports
Morocco beat Niger 5-1 on Friday evening at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, in the third matchday of Group A qualifiers for AFCON 2027. Achraf Hakimi scored a brace, and Ayoub Oufkir of AZ Alkmaar scored his first goal for the national team in the 90th minute.
The Atlas Lions dominated the match, with 71% possession and five goals from 18 shots, according to TelQuel. Yassir Zabiri opened the scoring in the 4th minute, set up by Brahim Díaz, for his first goal at senior international level.
Hakimi scored first with a long-range strike from almost 25 metres out, then again from a free kick as the break approached. Niger reduce the gap in the 41st minute, but Yassine Bounou saves Youssouf Oumarou’s penalty in the 45th minute.
After the break, coach Mohamed Ouahbi brought on several substitutes, and Youssef En-Nesyri scored in the 77th minute, set up by Hakimi, after an earlier goal was disallowed for offside.
In a press conference, Mohamed Ouahbi attributed the heavy win to his team’s offensive efficiency. He said he has followed Ayoub Oufkir since his time with the Under-20s. The 20-year-old, who plays for AZ Alkmaar and was with the Netherlands under-21 squad during the last international break, has now joined Morocco. The coach dismisses any link to his dual nationality: Oufkir deserves his place on his form and profile.
