Niger and Tanzania begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying (CAF) campaign when they face off at Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.
While both nations are not favourites to end atop Group E, a positive result for either could make things interesting down the road.
Match preview
Jean-Michel Cavalli seeks to end Niger's four-game losing run in competitive fixtures when they commence World Cup qualifying this weekend.
The Nigeriens lost their final four Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after securing two draws to start the series, with a 1-1 tie against this weekend's opponents in June 2022.
However, the run of losses meant Cavalli's men ended bottom of that group, and they seek to avoid that eventuality in World Cup qualifying, as they are unlikely to make it to the 2026 showpiece.
The long-time coach can count on his side's battling qualities, with three of Menas' four recent losses one-goal defeats, except the 2-0 reverse to Uganda in the concluding round of AFCON qualifiers in September.
It remains to be seen if Niger halts their four-game competitive losing run, but a 3-0 victory over Somalia last month should give them reason for optimism on Saturday.
Tanzania are not expected to be compliant opponents this weekend, with Taifa Stars keen to take advantage of the game at a neutral venue in Morocco.
For a side that struggled to find the back of the net in AFCON qualifying, Adel Amrouche's men relied on their defensive strength to progress to next year's finals, with a goalless encounter in Algeria sealing qualification at Uganda's expense.
While that approach may not produce positive results in the World Cup qualifiers — the top-ranked team are assured of a berth at the 2026 competition — ending as one of the four best runners-up could be the nation's target.
However, a playoff spot guarantees little, especially for a side without the star quality of the top African sides, so Amrouche's troops must be ambitious in Group E.
Having never participated in the World Cup, the tournament's expansion offers a possibility for sides like Tanzania, and they have to be almost perfect in qualifying and hope the top seed botch the series.
Team News
Daniel Sosah netted two of Niger's three goals in AFCON qualifying, but the forward has not featured all season due to injury, forcing Menas into a change at centre-forward.
While Cavalli utilised a back four in the 3-0 friendly win over Somalia, the French manager is anticipated to revert to a five-player backline against Tanzania.
As for Taifa Stars, former Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta could lead the attack as Amrouche's team seek to start World Cup qualifying with maximum points.
Simon Msuva was also pivotal in AFCON qualifying, and the forward could deliver the goods for the Tanzanians this weekend.
Niger possible starting lineup:
Djibo; Yakubu, Doudou, Diabate, Katkore, Alhassane; Wonkoye, Oumarou, Magid, Mohamed; Hainikoye
Tanzania possible starting lineup:
Kakolanya; Job, Mnoga, Banda, Miroshi; Yasin, Mikami, Yahya; Msuva, Samatta, Kibu
We say: Niger 0-1 Tanzania
Saturday's game could end in a draw, but Tanzania have enough quality to eke out a marginal victory against Niger if there is a victor.
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