In their first warm-up match ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco’s Atlas Lions struggled in front of goal. Yesterday in Marrakech, Hervé Renard’s side fell 1-0 to the surprising Gambian team, which continues its impressive run after also defeating Guinea by the same scoreline.
Despite the activity and creativity of wingers Sofiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech, striker Khalid Boutaib was unable to convert chances, highlighting Morocco’s offensive inefficiency. Gambia, playing a compact defensive game, capitalized on one of their few opportunities in the 28th minute when Barrow scored. Morocco’s attack remained blunt, and the situation was compounded when Fayçal Fajr missed a late penalty.
Coach Hervé Renard now has a few days to address these attacking shortcomings before Morocco opens its AFCON campaign on Sunday, June 23, against Namibia in Group D.
John Attisso
