Morocco held by Mali as Mohamed El Hajoui raises concerns over display

Morocco’s international window ended with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Mali at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Sunday, prompting analyst Mohamed El Hajoui to warn about the team’s performance and tactical choices.

The result came after consecutive 2-0 victories over Gabon and Lesotho, but the Atlas Lions produced a far less convincing display against Mali despite taking an early lead.

Abde Ezzalzouli won a penalty in the 33rd minute after being brought down inside the Mali area. The Morocco forward took responsibility from the spot and converted to put his side 1-0 ahead.

However, Morocco struggled to impose control on the match. Mohamed Ouahbi’s team continued to apply some pressure after half-time but created too few clear openings to extend their advantage.

Mali grew increasingly threatening as the second half progressed and were rewarded in the 77th minute, when Diarra Gaoussou equalised. Neither side could find a winner during the closing stages, despite further attempts, and the match finished level.

El Hajoui concerned by Morocco’s performance

Speaking to Africafoot, El Hajoui, a sports analyst on Morocco’s public television channels, said the draw had left a bitter taste. He also pointed to similarities with a previous meeting between the two nations in Rabat.

For the analyst, the result itself was not the main source of concern. He argued that the overall performance of the players was more worrying, particularly the defensive weaknesses displayed by Morocco.

The equaliser, in his view, highlighted problems that remain unresolved at the back. El Hajoui said Morocco should have shown considerably more, especially as the squad was almost complete. Noussair Mazraoui was the only notable absentee after leaving the camp because of injury.

He was particularly critical of Morocco’s second-half display, believing it showed insufficient respect for the supporters who had filled the Grand Stade de Tanger. El Hajoui also felt that the performance did not match the status of the players currently representing the national team.

Tactical decisions questioned

El Hajoui also questioned some of Mohamed Ouahbi’s decisions, suggesting they appeared to reflect an attempt to “satisfy certain parties” rather than maintain sporting consistency.

He singled out Anass Salah-Eddine and raised questions about the way Ali Maamar was being used. The analyst also criticised the decision to deploy Bilal El Khannouss at left-back so that Azzedine Ounahi could play in midfield.

He further expressed concern about what he regarded as a lack of commitment from some Morocco internationals. El Hajoui said players who are not operating at 100% should be honest enough to tell the coach.

One of the few positives he identified was goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who made a spectacular intervention during the first half.