Morocco ended their international period with a 1-1 draw against Mali at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Sunday evening, with former Wydad Casablanca manager Fouad Sahabi identifying three standout performers and three players who failed to meet expectations.
The Atlas Lions took the lead through Abde Ezzalzouli, who won and converted a penalty in the 33rd minute. Mali equalised in the second half, but the friendly gave Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi an opportunity to assess several players before the team’s next commitments.
Speaking to Africafoot, Sahabi praised Abde Ezzalzouli, Yassine Bounou and Azzedine Ounahi, while expressing reservations about Anass Salah-Eddine, Issa Diop and Ismael Saibari.
Abde Ezzalzouli was described as a constant threat. Sahabi felt the winger repeatedly tried to unsettle Mali’s defence through his movement, acceleration and willingness to take on opponents.
His activity also offered Morocco an additional option against a compact defensive structure, according to the former Moroccan club manager. Ezzalzouli’s contribution was rewarded when he earned the penalty and then confidently converted it to put Morocco ahead.
Bounou’s experience and composure were another positive for Sahabi. Although Morocco conceded after the interval, the goalkeeper was considered to have produced a reassuring display and was not held responsible for Mali’s equaliser.
Sahabi also saw encouraging signs from Ounahi in midfield. The player helped link the middle of the pitch with the attack and contributed to Morocco’s build-up play. One notable move in the second half involved Bilal El Khannouss, although the sequence did not result in a goal.
Despite those positives, Sahabi believes Ounahi still needs to improve his contribution in the final third.
Anass Salah-Eddine, meanwhile, struggled to exert sufficient influence against a Mali side that relied on physical strength and pressing. Sahabi suggested the match should provide the player with lessons about his positioning and his decision-making when under pressure.
Issa Diop was also judged to have fallen short of expectations. The defender encountered difficulties dealing with several situations, particularly during Mali’s transitions. Sahabi pointed to problems with positioning and managing space as the match progressed.
Ismael Saibari showed plenty of activity but not enough effectiveness, in Sahabi’s assessment. The attacking midfielder tested the Mali goalkeeper with a powerful effort in the 19th minute and set up Neil El Aynaoui in the 27th.
However, his overall performance was considered insufficient compared with what was expected of him. Sahabi believes Saibari must make better use of available space when facing an organised defensive block.
The draw was nevertheless viewed as a useful test for Morocco. It followed victories over Gabon and Lesotho in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, giving Mohamed Ouahbi further opportunity to assess his options.
Morocco’s coach had noted the team’s ability to retain possession, while also acknowledging weaknesses, including the spaces left by the Atlas Lions and the need to improve their attacking play.