A Historic Evening for Morocco in World Cup Qualifiers
The Africa zone had a thrilling night on Friday, September 5, 2025 , marking the seventh day of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers . This evening presented several nations with an opportunity to secure their spots for the upcoming competition scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada . Among these nations, Morocco stood out as they celebrated a particularly significant occasion.
Morocco’s national team, the Atlas Lions , inaugurated the newly constructed Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat , boasting a capacity of 70,000 seats . This monumental event was not just a celebration of sportsmanship but represented Morocco’s growing stature in African football.
Morocco’s Impressive Performance
Under the leadership of coach Walid Regragui , the Moroccan squad did not disappoint their fans. They took advantage of a red card issued to Niger’s Goumay in the 26th minute of play, completely turning the tide in Morocco’s favor. Saibari opened the scoring with a brilliant double before halftime, demonstrating absolute mastery in front of goal.
In the second half, El Kaabi amplified Morocco’s lead, showcasing the team’s relentless attacking prowess. Also coming into form was Igamane , fresh off a double performance with LOSC , who rounded off the scoring with an impressive finish before providing a crucial assist to Ounahi . The commanding 5-0 victory not only highlighted Morocco’s footballing capabilities but also secured their third consecutive qualification for a World Cup.
This remarkable triumph also sets the stage for Morocco’s next challenge: the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) , which will be held at home in January. The excitement is palpable as fans await what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
Crucial Matches for Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire
The night held more suspense beyond Morocco’s festivities. In other matches, the Egyptian team, spearheaded by stars like Mohamed Salah and Marmoush , secured a victory against Ethiopia, adding vital points to their qualifying campaign. The atmosphere remained electric as Senegal faced Sudan, emerging victorious with a 2-0 scoreline, courtesy of goals from Koulibaly and PM Sarr .
However, the stakes are particularly high for the Democratic Republic of Congo , where Senegal will face a potential group decider, making their upcoming match crucial.
Meanwhile, in Group F , Côte d’Ivoire faced Burundi with the aim of solidifying their position. The Elephants managed to secure a 1-0 victory , but the upcoming clash against Gabon promises to be a defining moment for their qualification journey. With 19 points currently, even a loss might allow Côte d’Ivoire to remain in the race, depending on the performances of other teams in the group.
Results from the 9 PM Matches
Group A:
- Egypt 2-0 Ethiopia: Goals from Salah (41st minute) and Marmoush (45+2 minute)
Group B:
- Senegal 2-0 Sudan: Goals from Koulibaly (14th minute) and PM Sarr (41st minute)
- Mauritania 2-0 Togo: Goals from Yade (13th minute) and Abeid (68th minute)
Group E:
- Morocco 5-0 Niger: Goals from Saibari (29th, 38th), El Kaabi (51st), Igamane (69th), Ounahi (85th)
Group F:
- Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 Burundi: Goal from Bayo (3rd minute)
Pub. THE
– Maj the
This monumental evening in African football not only showcased the spirit and skills of the players but also highlighted the prospects for nations gearing up for the World Cup and other prestigious tournaments. Morocco’s historic performance will undoubtedly be remembered as they journey forward with their eyes set on international success.