Assahafa.com
Morocco’s football national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, expressed on Saturday mixed feelings of satisfaction and regret following the draw against Brazil (1-1) in the Group C opener of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, while praising the Atlas Lions “strong performance.”
“It was a good game. We played well. We will be better in the next match,” Ouahbi told the press following the match.
Morocco’s coach hailed his players performance against a Brazilian team that was “very physically imposing, present in the penalty area, and inclined towards a direct style of play.”
“We found depth, we imposed our rhythm, but we need to learn to finish matches the way we start them,” the Atlas Lions coach pointed out.
Despite this slight sense of unfinished business, Ouahbi praised his players’ mindset: “I’m proud of them. It’s not a disappointment. Even in the locker room, they weren’t euphoric, because they knew there was more to be done.”
At the individual level, Morocco’s coach hailed the performance of young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, saying that he wasn’t surprised by his performance. “I know his qualities very well”, he said.
He also commended midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, who, according to him, delivered a “very high-level performance,” in a position where Morocco displays “an interesting mix of youth and experience.”
Regarding the condition of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, the coach said he suffered “a minor shoulder knock, but he’s fine.”
Finally, Ouahbi greeted the atmosphere prevailing during the match, highlighting “a great show triggered by both Moroccan and Brazilian fans.”
Morocco was held on Saturday to a draw (1-1) by Brazil in their Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The Atlas Lions took the lead in the 21st minute thanks to Ismael Saibari who chipped the ball over Brazil’s keeper. Brazilian Vinicius kept his country in the game with an equaliser in the 32nd minute.
Following this result, the two teams secured their first point in Group C, where Scotland and Haiti are set to play this Saturday Night.
The Atlas Lions will play against Scotland on June 19, while Brazil will face Haiti on the second day of the group.
Source: map
