Morocco women start Eric Blahic era with comeback win over Uzbekistan

Morocco began Eric Blahic’s tenure as head coach with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in the opening match of a friendly double-header in Rabat.

The Lionesses of the Atlas fell behind in the 16th minute at Stade Moulay El Hassan, but recovered after the break through a remarkable contribution from substitute Ibtissam Jraidi.

Uzbekistan took the lead when a ball lobbed in from the left caused problems for Morocco goalkeeper Fatima El Jebraoui. Starting unexpectedly ahead of Khadija Er-Rmichi, El Jebraoui could only parry the ball into the path of an Uzbekistan player, who had the simple task of turning it over the line.

Morocco responded in the second half, with Jraidi producing three goals in less than a quarter of an hour to complete the turnaround.

The Al-Hilal forward levelled the contest in the 65th minute, scoring with a diving header. Two minutes later, she put Morocco ahead with a toe-poke.

Jraidi then completed her hat-trick in the 79th minute, with her effort helped on its way into the goal by a deflection off an Uzbekistan player and the post.

The result gives Blahic a winning start with Morocco and sees the team take the lead in the two-match meeting with the White Wolves.

The sides will meet again on 12 October at Stade Al Medina, also in Rabat, in the final game of Morocco’s first training camp under Blahic.