Morocco took control of Group C at the FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Scotland on Friday, thanks to Ismael Saibari’s goal after just 71 seconds.
The North Africans, who reached the semi-finals at the previous World Cup, dominated much of the contest despite winning by a single goal. Saibari’s early strike proved decisive as Morocco moved to four points from two matches and climbed to the top of the group standings.
Scotland, who opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti to secure their first World Cup win in 36 years, struggled to impose themselves against a Moroccan side that controlled possession and created the better chances.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi admitted his side would have preferred a larger margin of victory.
“We would have liked to score that second goal to be more at ease, but we wanted to keep them really, really high up so they wouldn’t get too close to our box,” said Ouahbi.
“When it’s 1-0 at the end, that’s the Scots’ quality. But it’s okay. That’s what I said too: no panic, no panic, we do what needs to be done, we defend, we keep pressing. But we played a great match. We lacked a bit of efficiency.”
“We are happy, we keep going. The road is still long, but it was important to win today,” he added.
Morocco completed 601 passes during the match, the highest total by an African team in a World Cup match since records began in 1966.
The breakthrough came almost immediately. Saibari timed his run perfectly to collect a through ball from Brahim Diaz after Scotland defender Grant Hanley stepped out too early. The midfielder then powered his shot past goalkeeper Angus Gunn for the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
Saibari, who also scored in Morocco’s 1-1 draw against Brazil, became only the second African player after Mohamed Salah to score in each of his first two World Cup appearances.
Morocco continued to threaten. Azzedine Ounahi produced a dangerous run down the left and delivered a low cross that narrowly evaded two teammates in front of goal. Bilal El Khannouss also came close as Morocco repeatedly won possession high up the pitch and forced Scotland onto the back foot.
The Scots failed to register an effort on target until deep into first-half stoppage time as Morocco’s pressing game restricted their attacking opportunities.
After the break, Morocco maintained control. Saibari struck the post, while El Khannouss forced a strong save from Gunn with a glancing header.
Scotland improved late in the match and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, creating a handful of opportunities in the closing stages, but Morocco’s defence held firm.
Scotland midfielder Ryan Christie felt his side had given themselves a chance despite a difficult start.
“Had we played another five minutes, we might just have had them,” said Christie.
“It’s frustrating. The start to the game wasn’t exactly how we planned it. But we limited them to very little second half and started to play our football. It just wasn’t to be,” he said.
Morocco now have four points from two matches and will face Haiti in their final group game on Wednesday. Scotland remain on three points and will take on five-time champions Brazil in a crucial Group C encounter.
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