Friendly match : Ayoub El Kaabi secures victory for Morocco against Benin
With a revamped lineup, Morocco edged past Benin 1–0 in a friendly match on Monday evening at the Fès Sports Complex. As announced beforehand, Walid Regragui used the occasion to test new strategies and explore fresh options.
Zakaria El Ouahdi started on the right flank, stepping in for Achraf Hakimi, the PSG star and newly crowned European champion. In goal, Munir Kajoui, fresh off a CAF Confederation Cup victory with RS Berkane, was given the start.
In midfield, Oussama Saharoui was tasked with supporting El Kaabi and Rahimi up front. From the outset, the Atlas Lions applied heavy pressure against a Beninese side that sat deep in defense.
Saibari and Rahimi set the tone early in the first half. Morocco pushed hard for openings, constantly threatening the opposition's box, but Benin stayed compact, looking for counterattacks that were mostly snuffed out in midfield. In the 33rd minute, El Kaabi missed a left-footed shot after a defensive miscommunication on the Beninese side.
Just seconds before halftime, El Kaabi redeemed himself with one of the most spectacular goals of his career — a bicycle kick finish off a perfect cross from Masina, whom Regragui later called «the pleasant surprise» of the night. Morocco went into the break with a deserved 1–0 lead.
The second half followed a similar pattern: Moroccan dominance in attack against a disciplined Beninese defense. Regragui made a few changes, bringing on Targhalline and Zouhzouh to inject energy into the midfield. Bilal El Khannouss and Marouane also came off the bench.
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