Morocco’s unbeaten run against Niger faces another test

Group A stakes

Morocco have won all four of their last listed meetings with Niger, and the latest was a 5-1 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory on 13 November. That record frames the rematch in Rabat, where Morocco are first in Group A on nine points and Niger are third on three after three matches apiece. Morocco are six points ahead.

The Prince Moulay Abdellah venue is in Rabat, Morocco. Niger are the designated home team, but this is not a match on Nigerien soil; the home/away statistics below describe fixture designations.

Morocco’s attack against Niger’s defence

In this competition, across three matches, Morocco have scored nine goals and conceded one; Niger have scored three and conceded eight. The contrast points to an advantage for Morocco, while Niger’s only home match in the competition was a win, with two goals scored and one conceded.

Morocco’s away sample is also one match: they won it, scoring twice without conceding. A pattern to watch is whether Niger can keep the match closer as the designated home team than their overall competition numbers suggest, or whether Morocco’s scoring continues against a defence that has conceded eight times in three matches.

Four meetings, four Morocco wins

Morocco have won all four listed meetings with Niger, with no draws or Niger victories. The latest, on 13 November in this competition, ended 5-1; the previous two were also Morocco wins in World Cup qualifying.

Our prediction

Morocco’s unbeaten head-to-head record and stronger scoring and defensive figures in this competition give them the edge. Niger’s win in their one designated home match in this competition offers a reason for caution, so a home win or draw remains possible.