Morocco’s attacking strength praised after Niger win as Sahabi highlights defensive faults

Morocco’s 5-1 victory over Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers showcased the team’s attacking quality, but former coach Fouad Sahabi says Mohamed Ouahbi’s side still has defensive weaknesses to address.

Sahabi, who has managed clubs including Wydad de Casablanca and Kawkab de Marrakech, identified three players who impressed him and three whose performances fell short of expectations. His assessment relates only to the match against Niger and is not a definitive judgement on the players’ overall ability.

Hakimi leads Morocco’s standout performers

Achraf Hakimi topped Sahabi’s list after another influential display for the national team captain. The Paris Saint-Germain defender contributed to Morocco’s build-up, changed the tempo of the game and repeatedly supported attacks in the final third.

Hakimi’s first goal, a powerful effort from outside the area, demonstrated his ability to create a solution on his own. He later struck again at an important moment, giving Morocco a comfortable advantage before half-time. His confidence was also evident in a direct corner attempt that narrowly failed to become a goal.

Yassine Bounou was another key figure. The Al-Hilal goalkeeper’s most important contribution came in the 42nd minute, when he saved a penalty that would have brought Niger level at 2-2.

Sahabi believes Bounou’s importance goes beyond the number of saves he makes, with his experience, concentration and ability to perform under pressure particularly valuable in decisive moments. The match was also Bounou’s 100th appearance for Morocco.

Noussair Mazraoui completed Sahabi’s three leading performers. The Manchester United defender provided balance on the flank, helped Morocco move the ball out from defence and remained composed when pressed. Although he did not have the same attacking influence as Hakimi, Sahabi praised his management of space, defensive support and overall tactical discipline.

Defensive concerns remain

Issa Diop was judged to have delivered less than expected. Sahabi felt the defender should have dealt more effectively with the movement of Niger’s forwards and offered greater security to the back line.

Although Niger created relatively few chances, the goal conceded and the penalty showed, in Sahabi’s view, that Morocco must improve its defensive organisation and avoid lapses in concentration. His criticism was not intended to question Diop’s ability, but to underline the need for a stronger contribution in future matches.

Oussama Targhalline also failed to convince. With Morocco enjoying extended spells of possession, Sahabi expected the midfielder to link the lines more effectively, move the ball faster and turn the team’s control into clearer opportunities.

The coach said possession alone was not enough, particularly against teams defending in a compact block. Targhalline must have a greater influence in attack-building and provide more options in midfield.

Nayef Aguerd was Sahabi’s third disappointment. The defender made no obvious individual error directly responsible for a goal, but his overall influence was limited. Sahabi stressed that Morocco’s defence must remain fully concentrated even when the team is dominant.

“The attacking department is promising, but the defence still needs a lot of work,” Sahabi said.

Bounou’s penalty save prevented Niger from making it 2-2, before Hakimi scored Morocco’s third goal in first-half stoppage time. Sahabi believes the incident underlined the need for better positioning, coordination and defensive transition work.

Morocco will soon face Niger again in their fourth match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.