Gaoussou Diarra’s stunning volley earns Mali draw against Morocco

Gaoussou Diarra came off the bench to score a superb volley as Mali held Morocco to a 1-1 draw in a friendly at the Grand Stade de Tanger.

The Feyenoord winger made an immediate impact after replacing Mali’s original opponents, Ghana, who withdrew from the fixture. Morocco had initially been scheduled to face Ghana before Mali agreed to step in.

Morocco named Ismael Saibari and Anass Salah-Eddine, currently with Panathinaikos, in their starting line-up. Abdellah Ouazane of Ajax and Feyenoord midfielder Oussama Targhalline began the match among the substitutes.

The hosts took the lead after just over half an hour when Abdessamad Ezzalzouli was brought down inside the penalty area. The Betis forward took responsibility for the spot-kick and beat the goalkeeper with a precise finish to make it 1-0.

Morocco controlled much of the contest in Tanger, but Mali found a way back into the match through Diarra. Introduced in the 65th minute, the winger was left unmarked when Mali won a free-kick from distance.

Diarra met the delivery first time, striking a powerful volley that flew beneath the crossbar to level the score at 1-1. The finish showcased the quality of the Feyenoord player, who has scored once for the club this season.

Both sides created further opportunities after the equaliser, but neither could find a winning goal and the friendly ended in a draw.

Targhalline and Ouazane did not leave the bench, meaning the overall contribution of the players from the Eredivisie remained limited.