Morocco thrashed Congo 6-0 in Agadir, effectively responding to recent criticisms of their performance despite a 2-1 victory over Zambia. This emphatic win on the fourth day of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers showcases the Atlas Lions’ prowess and solidifies their lead in Group E.
Early Dominance
From the outset, Morocco demonstrated their intent to dominate. The Atlas Lions surged forward with relentless pressure, making their attacking ambitions clear.
Early chances from Ayoub El Kaabi and Azzedine Ounahi set the tone. It was Ounahi who broke the deadlock in the 8th minute, capitalizing on a brilliant assist from Benjamin Seghir.
Ounahi’s precise shot left the Congo goalkeeper helpless, marking the start of Morocco’s goal fest.
Relentless Attacking
Morocco maintained their aggressive approach, refusing to ease the pressure.
A poorly cleared free kick from Hakim Ziyech led to a blocked shot by Seghir, which Chadi Riad converted, netting his first goal for the national team in an unusual poacher’s style for the young central defender.
This doubled Morocco’s lead by the 16th minute.
El Kaabi’s Hat-Trick
El Kaabi, in superb form, added to Congo’s misery with a header from Achraf Hakimi’s cross in the 20th minute, making it 3-0.
His relentless energy and defensive contributions were noteworthy throughout the match.
Before the break, El Kaabi scored again, this time from a well-placed cross by Ounahi, who had executed a deft one-two with Ziyech, extending the lead to 4-0.
After halftime, El Kaabi completed his hat-trick with another header, assisted once more by Ounahi, bringing the score to 5-0 by the 53rd minute.
This performance highlighted El Kaabi’s clinical finishing and justified his selection over Youssef En-Nesyri, who remained on the sidelines.
Final Flourish
Despite Brahim Diaz’s attempts being thwarted by the Congo goalkeeper, substitute Soufiane Rahimi ensured Morocco’s dominance was absolute.
Rahimi’s stunning shot under the bar in the 69th minute sealed the 6-0 victory.
Implications and Future Prospects
While the weakness of the opposition might temper the excitement, Morocco’s performance was undeniably impressive.
The Atlas Lions showcased their attacking depth, defensive solidity, and overall tactical superiority.
This win not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens their position at the top of Group E, now three points clear of Tanzania, who earlier defeated Zambia 1-0.
Morocco’s emphatic response to their critics highlights their potential as strong contenders in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, demonstrating their capability to dominate and perform under pressure.
