Morocco launched their World Cup preparations with a commanding 5-0 victory over Burundi at the Mohammed VI Complex in Salé on Tuesday, though it took a second-half explosion to break down a resilient opponent. The Atlas Lions, ranked significantly higher than the 142nd-ranked Burundians, looked sluggish early on but transformed into a ruthless attacking unit after the interval, in a performance that mirrored the metaphor of shifting from diesel to Formula 1 speed.
The first half was a cagey affair, with Morocco dominating possession but struggling to carve clear chances against a disciplined Burundi defense. Head coach Walid Regragui used the match to experiment with personnel and shape, a typical feature of pre-tournament friendlies, but the lack of cutting edge raised eyebrows. Burundi, who haven’t featured in a major tournament since their only Africa Cup of Nations appearance in 2019 (a first-round exit), held firm and looked to frustrate the hosts.
The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when Ayoub El Kaabi found the net. The experienced striker, known for his predatory instincts, timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and slot home, sparking a dramatic shift in momentum. Just four minutes later, El Kaabi struck again, this time capitalizing on a defensive lapse to double the lead. His quickfire brace not only put the game beyond Burundi but also highlighted his importance as a reliable goalscorer for the Atlas Lions.
If El Kaabi was the catalyst, Tawfik Bentayeb was the revelation. The 24-year-old, who plies his trade at Troyes in France, was making his international debut and seized the moment with both hands. Not only did he score in the 71st minute with a composed finish, but he also provided two assists, displaying a versatility and creative spark that could prove invaluable in Morocco’s attacking arsenal. Bentayeb’s performance gave Regragui something to ponder about his attacking options ahead of tougher tests.
The rout was completed by Soufiane Benjdida, who came off the bench to score twice in the final ten minutes. His goals in the 80th and 90th minutes were a testament to Morocco’s depth and hunger to keep pushing even against a demoralized opponent. Benjdida’s late double underlined the competitive edge within the squad as players vie for a spot in the final World Cup roster.
Defensively, Morocco were largely untroubled after the early exchanges. Burundi, despite their lowly ranking, managed to keep the game tight for nearly an hour, but once the first goal went in, the Atlas Lions’ quality proved overwhelming. The clean sheet will please Regragui, but he will be aware that attackers like Brazil’s Vinicius Jr. will present a far sterner examination of his backline.
This friendly was the first of three scheduled warm-up matches as Morocco gears up for a World Cup campaign that will see them share Group G with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Opening against the five-time world champions on the grandest stage demands peak readiness, and every minute of these friendlies carries weight. The clash with Burundi was always expected to be a confidence-booster, and the eventual scoreline reflects the gulf in class, but Morocco cannot afford a slow start when they face Brazil.
According to L’Equipe, Morocco’s preparation continues with two more friendlies: against Madagascar on June 2 at 7 p.m. and Norway on June 7 at 9 p.m. Madagascar, a fellow African nation, will provide another opportunity to fine-tune tactical patterns, while Norway, a team that features elite striker Erling Haaland, promises a much more demanding challenge. Norway’s subsequent friendly against France adds intrigue, positioning them as a useful barometer for Morocco’s defensive resilience and overall cohesion.
The road to the World Cup is paved with these incremental steps, and while Tuesday’s performance will not erase all doubts, it sets a positive tone. Morocco’s second-half display showcased the firepower at their disposal, but the team must find consistency from the opening whistle. With Brazil looming, there is little room for the lethargy that marked the first 45 minutes against Burundi.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
