Morocco 5-1 Niger: Hakimi Stars in AFCON Qualifier Rout
Achraf Hakimi scored twice, including a free kick, and set up En-Nesyri as Morocco crushed Niger 5-1 in AFCON qualifying; Bounou also saved a penalty.
Morocco cruised to a commanding 5-1 victory over Niger in the third round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, with Achraf Hakimi the standout performer after a hand in three of the goals.
How the goals came for Morocco
Yasser Zabiri got the Atlas Lions off the mark, finishing a pass from Brahim Diaz, before Hakimi doubled the lead from an Ayoub Bouaddi assist. Niger responded through Mohamed Abdourahmane, but the hosts of the momentum quickly reasserted control. Hakimi struck again with a direct free kick, then turned provider for Youssef En-Nesyri. Ayoub Oufkir rounded off the scoring, converting a ball from Abdallah Ouazzane.
At the other end, Yassine Bounou kept Niger at bay with a penalty save from Youssef Oumarou's spot kick, denying the visitors any route back into the contest.
Achraf Hakimi's red-hot form
The PSG right-back is in the best attacking spell of his career. Before the international break he netted a hat-trick and added an assist against Le Havre, and he also set up a goal against Barcelona. His two goals and an assist against Niger extended that remarkable run and underlined his importance to Morocco's qualifying campaign.
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