Morocco coach Regragui labels Niger game as key to World Cup qualification

Morocco national team head coach Walid Regragui has maintained they will put more focus on their upcoming 2024 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against Niger ahead of Zambia as it will earn them a ticket to the global tournament to be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries.

The Atlas Lions currently lead Group E with 15 points, accumulated from five wins, zero defeats and zero draws. Tanzania are lying second with nine points, while Zambia are third with six points, and Niger fourth with six.

A win against Niger will hand Morocco qualification, and according to Regragui they will give everything in the game to qualify.

“The Niger game will be the key to qualification. If we secure the ticket, we will give new faces the chance against Zambia,” he said as quoted by Bola News. “African matches are always tough, and Zambia will not be an easy opponent on their home ground.

“We have played several games outside Morocco and understand the challenges of these fixtures, but first we need to focus on winning against Niger in Rabat.”

Regragui further discussed the absence of winger Hakim Ziyech, who was left out of the squad for the two fixtures against Niger and Zambia.

“There are no issues with Ziyech,” Regragui said. “We are just waiting for him to find a team so he can return to competition. He is an important player, and the door is open once he is ready.”

The North Africans will face Niger on September 5 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium before travelling to Ndola to take on Zambia on September 8.