Friendlies: Morocco and Ivory Coast share spoils again

Morocco’s under-23 side and Ivory Coast played out a second consecutive draw in Salé, as both teams shared the spoils in a 2-2 friendly ahead of the upcoming U23 Africa Cup of Nations.

Stalemate continues in Salé

There was no winner across the two-match series between Morocco and Ivory Coast, with both sides unable to separate themselves over 180 minutes of football at the Mohammed VI Sports Football Complex.

Four days after a goalless draw in the opening fixture, the return encounter delivered more action but ultimately ended in another stalemate.

This time, the teams settled for a 2-2 draw in a match that served as preparation for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations.

🔴 GOAAAAAAL DE ADAM AZNOU FACE A LA CÔTE D’IVOIRE ! 👏🏽🇲🇦

1-0, une belle passe décisive de Fouad Zahouani ! pic.twitter.com/XMFpvgipgp

— 𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗭 🔎🇲🇦 (@ArobaseAH2) March 30, 2026

The result confirmed a balanced contest between two evenly matched sides, each showing moments of quality without managing to secure an outright victory.

Morocco strike first despite early setback

Morocco entered the match without Yassir Zabiri and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, both of whom had joined the senior national team.

Their absence did not prevent the Atlas Lions from making an early impression.

The hosts were handed a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot, but Jones El-Abdellaoui was unable to convert, missing an opportunity that could have changed the early direction of the game.

🇲🇦2-2🇨🇮

Mouad Dahak ! @EYasseri_ pic.twitter.com/V8tRSSttFE

— 𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗭 🔎🇲🇦 (@ArobaseAH2) March 30, 2026

However, Morocco responded positively to that setback.

Adam Aznou, who plays for Everton, opened the scoring in the 38th minute following an individual effort.

After controlling a lobbed pass, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich player moved past Yann Konan before evading another defender and calmly finishing to give his side the lead.

The goal highlighted both composure and technical ability, placing Morocco ahead before the interval.

Ivory Coast respond with quick goals

Ivory Coast reacted strongly after falling behind, demonstrating resilience and attacking intent.

The visitors turned the match around with two goals in quick succession, shifting the momentum in their favour.

Their response underlined their ability to capitalise on key moments, as they overturned Morocco’s lead and looked set to secure victory in the closing stages.

The turnaround added intensity to the contest, with both sides continuing to push forward in search of further goals.

Late equaliser secures draw for Morocco

Morocco, however, found a way back into the match in the final minutes. Mouad Dahak, who plays for Raja Casablanca, delivered a decisive moment in the 85th minute.

His direct free-kick curled into the top corner beyond Yann Konan, ensuring the hosts salvaged a draw. The late equaliser capped an entertaining encounter and denied Ivory Coast victory after their earlier comeback.

The goal also reinforced Morocco’s determination, as they continued to press despite trailing late in the game.

New faces and preparation for U23 AFCON

The match also featured the introduction of Abdellah Ouazane, the Ajax player who was named MVP of the last U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

He made his first appearance for the U23 side, marking a notable step in his progression.

His inclusion was one of several elements that highlighted the experimental nature of the fixture, as both teams used the opportunity to assess players ahead of the continental tournament.

Across the two matches, neither Morocco nor Ivory Coast managed to assert clear dominance, but both demonstrated qualities that could prove valuable at the U23 AFCON.

The double-header ultimately offered insight into squad depth, tactical approaches and individual performances, leaving both teams with areas to refine before competitive action begins.