Morocco thrash Niger 5-0 to secure 2026 World Cup qualification
Atlas Lions become first African team to book place at tournament with two games to spare
RABAT, Morocco (MNTV) — Morocco booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dominant 5-0 victory over 10-man Niger in Rabat, becoming the first African nation to qualify for the tournament.
The Atlas Lions sealed top spot in Group E with 18 points from six consecutive wins, opening an unassailable lead of eight points over second-placed Tanzania.
The result confirmed Morocco’s seventh World Cup appearance, with two qualifying fixtures still remaining.
Ismael Saibari set the tone early with a first-half brace, capitalizing on Niger’s numerical disadvantage after Abdul-Latif Goumey was shown a red card.
In the second half, Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi added to the tally, completing the rout.
Morocco, who shocked the world with a semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, have refreshed their squad under coach Walid Regragui.
While Ounahi remains from the historic campaign, new talents such as PSV Eindhoven’s Saibari have been integrated into the lineup.
Elsewhere in African qualifying, Egypt defeated Ethiopia 2-0 in Cairo with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both converting penalties before halftime.
Victory left the Pharaohs on the brink of qualification, which they can secure with a win over Burkina Faso on Tuesday.
In Group B, the Democratic Republic of Congo stayed top after a 4-1 away triumph against South Sudan in Juba. Cedric Bakambu scored twice, while Newcastle United’s new signing Yoane Wissa—transferred from Brentford in a $6.7 million move—added another.
The Congolese are seeking their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.
Senegal remain one point behind DR Congo following a 2-0 victory over Sudan in Diamniadio, with Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr on target. The two sides face off in Kinshasa on Tuesday in a decisive clash.
South Africa also took a major step toward qualification, defeating Lesotho 3-0 in Bloemfontein. Mohau Nkota, who recently joined Saudi club Al Ettifaq, opened the scoring before Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis secured the win in the second half.
The result keeps Bafana Bafana five points clear at the top of Group C, though injuries to defenders Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane pose a concern ahead of Tuesday’s key fixture against Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Gambia stunned Kenya 3-1 in Nairobi thanks to a goal from Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, though the result did not affect the top of Group F, where Ivory Coast face Gabon in a decisive match on Tuesday.
In Group G, Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy netted his first international goal for Guinea as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Somalia. However, Guinea remain eight points adrift of leaders Algeria, leaving their qualification hopes all but over.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
