Morocco delivered a commanding performance in their World Cup warm-up match on Tuesday, routing Madagascar 4-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat. The result provided a confidence boost for the Atlas Lions as they continue preparations for the global showpiece, with coach Mohamed Ouahbi's side showcasing both attacking flair and defensive solidity.
The evening's focal point was the official first start of Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Lille midfielder who has been touted as a future star for the national team. Bouaddi was deployed in a double pivot alongside experienced enforcer Sofyan Amrabat, signaling the trust placed in him by the coaching staff. Wearing the number six shirt, he played 45 minutes before being one of six players substituted at halftime, with Strasbourg's Samir El-Mourabet taking his place.
Bouaddi's inclusion was not entirely unexpected; he had already featured in an unofficial friendly against Burundi on May 26, a 5-0 win where he gained his first taste of international football. However, this match against Madagascar marked his first competitive-like appearance in a match that counts toward official records, even as a friendly. His composed display in the first half suggested he could be a viable option for the World Cup squad, especially with his ability to link defense and attack.
The scoreboard started ticking early. Ismaël Saibari, operating as a makeshift forward, punished Madagascar's defense with a brace inside the opening 25 minutes. His first came in the 4th minute after a fluid team move, and he doubled the lead in the 25th minute with a clinical finish. Saibari's versatility and eye for goal provided a different dimension to Morocco's attack, hinting at the depth of options available to coach Ouahbi.
After the break, the Atlas Lions continued to apply pressure. Soufiane Rahimi converted a penalty in the 77th minute to make it 3-0, extending an already comfortable lead. The spot-kick was awarded after a foul in the box, and Rahimi dispatched it confidently. Then, in the closing stages, substitute Ayoub El-Kaabi netted the fourth goal in the 87th minute, rounding off a dominant team performance and capping an impressive night for the Moroccan faithful.
Morocco's World Cup group, Group C, pits them against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Ranked eighth globally by FIFA, the team carries high expectations, especially after their historic semi-final run in Qatar 2022. The match against Madagascar, while not the sternest test, allowed the squad to work on tactical patterns and integrate new faces. The six halftime changes—including Bouaddi—demonstrated the coach's desire to assess his options and maintain freshness.
For Bouaddi, the maiden start is a significant milestone. Born in France to Moroccan parents, he represents a successful case of the Moroccan federation's strategy to recruit dual-national talents. His development at Lille, a club known for nurturing young players, has been closely watched. Playing alongside Amrabat, he showed glimpses of his technical ability and positional awareness, though the real test will come against higher-caliber opponents like Norway and eventually in the World Cup.
The upcoming friendly against Norway on Sunday in Oslo is now the final checkpoint before Morocco's tournament opener. Norway, while not qualified for the World Cup, boasts world-class talents like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, providing a much stiffer challenge. This match will be crucial for evaluating players like Bouaddi against elite competition and determining the final squad selection.
Morocco's preparation appears to be on a positive trajectory. The blend of seasoned campaigners such as Amrabat and Achraf Hakimi (who was rested or not mentioned) with emerging stars like Bouaddi and Saibari bodes well. The team's ability to score from multiple outlets—two strikers, a midfielder, and a penalty—indicates tactical flexibility.
The road to the World Cup is paved with friendlies like this, but the real measure will come when the tournament begins. For now, the emphatic win over Madagascar serves as a morale-boosting outing that underscores Morocco's ambition to once again make a deep run on the global stage. All eyes will be on how they fare against Norway and then in their group clashes.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
