Morocco Begins New Era Under Mohamed Ouahbi with Ecuador Draw
MADRID – Mohamed Ouahbi’s tenure as Morocco’s head coach began with a 1-1 draw against Ecuador on Friday at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid. The match marked a new chapter for the Atlas Lions, following the departure of Walid Regragui, and served as a crucial test ahead of upcoming international competitions. The friendly offered Ouahbi a first look at the squad as he aims to build upon Morocco’s recent success, including their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Ouahbi handed debuts to four players during the match: Issa Diop and Mohamed Hrimat in the starting lineup, and Gessime Yassine and Samir El Mourabet as second-half substitutes. The inclusion of these players signaled Ouahbi’s intent to integrate fresh talent into the national team, while simultaneously evaluating options as the team prepares for future challenges.
Tactical Observations and Early Assessments
The match against Ecuador provided Ouahbi with valuable insights into his team’s strengths and areas for improvement. One notable tactical decision was deploying Ismaël Saibari in a role typically occupied by a traditional number 9. However, this proved largely ineffective, with Saibari appearing isolated and struggling to develop a significant impact on the game. Azzedine Ounahi, positioned as a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation, also failed to replicate his usual influence.
Midfielder Hrimat, recently recognized for his performances in the Arab Cup and the CHAN tournament, didn’t quite hit his stride during the match, revealing some limitations in his game. Conversely, Issa Diop showcased promising signs in central defense, particularly given the competition for places in that position. His performance alongside Nayef Aguerd warrants further examination, according to observers.
Ouahbi Praises Team Spirit and Acknowledges Ecuador’s Quality
Following the match, Ouahbi emphasized the positive aspects of his team’s performance, particularly their spirit and resilience. “These players bring two different profiles (Issa Diop and Chadi Riad). There’s impact on one side, technique on the other. For a first match, and against this opponent, we can only congratulate them,” Ouahbi stated after the game. He consistently highlighted the quality of the opposition, acknowledging Ecuador’s recent successes, including victories over Argentina and Colombia, and their second-place finish in their South American qualifying group.
“It was a really good match. Ecuador is a good team, they finished second in their zone ahead of Brazil and Colombia. They beat Argentina and Colombia, so we knew it was a quality team. I am very happy to play this kind of match. Athletically, we knew we were going to deliver a physical battle. At times, we were set in difficulty, but I am very happy with what we put in place and the aggressiveness of the players,” Ouahbi added. He underscored the physical demands of international football and the require for his team to be prepared for such challenges.
Looking Ahead: Building Depth and Preparing for the World Cup
Ouahbi stressed the importance of building depth within the squad, recognizing that a competitive team requires a strong bench. “The football international today is like this: aggressive teams that will come and discover you high and often play one-on-one. That’s what we tried to do. These aren’t risks, but aspects that we still need to perform on. I am very satisfied with the performance. Even in tricky moments, we knew how to suffer together, reorganize and make the effort. We may have lacked a little depth at times. My choices? The players know that I will always put the best and most creative players on the field. But we need depth. In the second half, we exploited it better, which allowed us to create opportunities.”
The Moroccan coach also acknowledged the team’s need for continued improvement, despite their semi-final appearance at the previous World Cup. “When you are a semi-finalist team, you don’t have weaknesses, but strengths to improve. We still have a match against Paraguay. All the players will be involved and then we will be ready for the World Cup.”
Ouahbi’s initial assessment suggests a focus on maintaining a strong team spirit, enhancing tactical flexibility, and developing a deeper pool of talent. The draw against Ecuador, while not a victory, provided a valuable learning experience for both the coach and the players as they embark on this new phase. For fans, it’s a reminder that even after a historic run, continuous evaluation and adaptation are crucial for sustained success on the international stage.
The next test for Morocco comes on Tuesday against Paraguay, offering another opportunity for Ouahbi to experiment with his squad and refine his tactical approach. The match will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they seek to gauge the direction of the team under its new leadership.
This article was updated on March 29, 2026, at 19:08 GMT.
