Morocco women held to goalless draw by Uzbekistan in second game under Eric Blahic

The Morocco women’s team were held to a 0-0 draw by Uzbekistan in Eric Blahic’s second match as head coach.

The Lionnes de l’Atlas dominated the game at Rabat’s Al Madina stadium, particularly after the interval, but could not find a decisive finish against opponents ranked 51st in the world.

Uzbekistan sit 14 places above Morocco, who are ranked 64th, making the result a frustrating one for the hosts after they had controlled much of the contest.

The stalemate came three days after Morocco’s comeback victory at the Moulay El Hassan stadium. Ghizlane Chebbak and her team were again unable to turn their territorial advantage into a second win under Blahic.

Kautar Azraf was the main threat for Morocco. The Barca forward was lively throughout and repeatedly caused problems for the Uzbekistan defence, although she lacked precision when chances arrived.

Azraf came closest to breaking the deadlock in the second half. In the 75th minute, she weaved between two or three defenders before sending her shot narrowly wide of the Uzbekistan goalkeeper’s left-hand post.

Two minutes later, she tested the goalkeeper again with a powerful effort that was pushed behind for a corner.

Morocco’s substitutes were unable to make the breakthrough, although Fatima Tagnaout appeared to have opened the scoring when she followed up to put the ball into an empty net.

The goal was ruled out for a foul on the Uzbekistan goalkeeper.

The hosts had one final opportunity in stoppage time. In the fourth minute of added time, Anissa Lahmari narrowly failed to connect with Azraf’s long diagonal pass at the penalty spot.

The midfielder, who plays for AS FAR Rabat, was unable to provide the finish that would have secured victory.

Morocco therefore complete their first international gathering under Blahic with contrasting results. Despite failing to win this meeting, their dominance and attacking pressure provide grounds for optimism as the new coach’s tenure continues.