David GOMBE
Morocco booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday night with a 5-0 thrashing of ten-man Niger.
The Atlas Lions, 2022 semi-finalists in Qatar are on 18 points, eight better than second placed Tanzania with only six points to fight for.
Niger’s Abdoul-Latif Goumey was shown red before Ismael Saibari fired the home side into the lead off a Youssef Belammari cross in the 29th minute.
Saibari was once again on the score sheet when he doubled Morocco’s lead just before the break.
Ayoub El Kaabi struck in the third early in the scond period of the contest.
Second half substitute Hamza Igamane scored his first international goal before Azzedine Ounahi completed the scoring.
Morocco had their best run in their continent’s history at the tournament in Qatar four years ago. They made it to the semi-finals, before bowing out at the hands of France. They will be hoping to repeat that feat in the United States next summer.
It only took six qualifying matches for Morocco to earn their spot among the best nations in the world next year. With 18 points, Morocco still have two qualifiers left to play – against Zambia and Congo. However, the pressure is off as they turn their attention to the Africa Cup of Nations this winter instead.
The expanded showpiece that will have nine African slot will be co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada.
