The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the refereeing appointments for Morocco’s upcoming double-header against Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will take charge of the opening encounter on November 13, as the Atlas Lions look to build on their perfect start to the qualifying campaign. The return match, scheduled for November 17, will be officiated by Ethiopian referee Tewodros Mitiku.
With Morocco aiming to strengthen their position at the top of Group A, both fixtures will be important steps in their pursuit of qualification for the continental tournament.
Omar Artan to Officiate First Encounter in Casablanca
Artan has been selected to oversee Morocco’s home fixture against Niger on November 13 at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca.
He will be assisted by compatriots Hamza Haji Abdi and Ali Mahamud Mahad, who will serve as assistant referees.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. local time, with Morocco looking to maintain their winning momentum in front of their home supporters.
The appointment places Artan at the centre of a crucial qualifying encounter as the Atlas Lions seek another positive result on their road to AFCON 2027.
Ethiopian Team Selected for Return Fixture in Rabat
The second meeting between Morocco and Niger will take place four days later, on November 17, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
CAF has appointed Ethiopian referee Tewodros Mitiku to oversee the match. He will be supported by fellow Ethiopians Fasika Biru Yehualashet and Tigle Gizaw Belachew as assistant referees.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time, with the fixture marking the fourth round of the qualifying campaign.
The two appointments complete CAF’s refereeing arrangements for the November double-header, which offers Morocco an opportunity to consolidate their position in the group standings.
Atlas Lions Look to Extend Their Winning Run
Morocco head into the upcoming fixtures at the top of Group A, having collected six points from their opening two matches in September.
The Atlas Lions recorded identical 2–0 victories over Gabon and Lesotho, making a perfect start to their campaign and giving them an early advantage in the race for qualification.
Two further victories against Niger would strengthen Morocco’s position and bring them closer to securing a place at AFCON 2027, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
With the squad preparing for the November international window, the objective will be to maintain their consistency, collect maximum points and continue building towards the continental finals.
The double-header against Niger now represents the next major test for the Atlas Lions as they seek to turn their promising opening results into sustained qualifying momentum.