Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed satisfaction with his team's progress after a 1-1 draw against Mali in a friendly match on Sunday, October 2, 2026, at the Grand Stade de Tanger. The Atlas Lions closed the October international window unbeaten, having previously secured victories over Gabon and Lesotho in AFCON 2027 qualifying matches. Ouahbi deliberately chose Mali as a demanding opponent for the final match, seeking to test his team's abilities against a strong side.
The match against Mali exposed areas that Morocco still needs to improve, according to Ouahbi. During parts of the game, Morocco struggled to find routes through Mali's defensive structure. However, Ouahbi noted that his team improved in the second half, taking greater control of the game. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli scored a 35th-minute penalty for Morocco, but Gaoussou Diarra equalized for Mali in the 77th minute.
Despite the challenges posed by Mali, Ouahbi felt that his side showed encouraging signs in possession, particularly when dealing with Mali's pressure. He observed that his opponents found it difficult to press Morocco and win the ball back. This, according to Ouahbi, was a positive aspect of the team's performance during the international window.
The October international window served its purpose for Ouahbi and his team. Morocco began the window with consecutive 2-0 victories over Gabon and Lesotho, followed by a friendly match against Mali. Ouahbi stressed that the coaching staff identified aspects that require further improvement, despite being satisfied with the overall direction of the team.
Ouahbi emphasized that the three-match stretch was very useful for his team, allowing them to develop and grow. He confirmed that the coaching staff will continue to work on the areas that need improvement, building on the positive things seen during the camp. The team's progress was a key focus for Ouahbi, who is keen to see his team continue to develop.
The friendly match against Mali was a deliberate choice by Ouahbi, who wanted a strong opponent to test his team's abilities. He noted that an easy conclusion to the camp was not desirable, and the team benefited from facing a quality opponent. This approach aligns with Ouahbi's strategy to prepare his team for more challenging matches.
Morocco will look to build on their progress in upcoming matches, with the coaching staff focused on addressing the areas that need improvement. Ouahbi's analysis of the team's performance against Mali provides valuable insights into the team's strengths and weaknesses. The team's next matches will be crucial in determining their continued growth and development.
Key points
- Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi analyzes team's performance against Mali
- The team still needs to improve in certain areas, according to Ouahbi
- The October international window was useful for the team's development and growth
