Morocco’s perfect start fades as Turkey force Mediterranean Games draw

Morocco Under-20s were held to a 2-2 draw by Turkey in their opening men’s football match at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, after surrendering a two-goal lead despite playing for around 80 minutes with 10 men.

The Atlas Cubs made an ideal start on Saturday evening, taking the lead after just 36 seconds. Yahia Iguiz of Raja Casablanca attacked the far post to meet a cross from Hamza Raj of RS Berkane and put Morocco ahead.

Their advantage was soon overshadowed by a controversial dismissal. RS Berkane midfielder Bilal Soukrat was sent off in the 11th minute, with the Moroccan side believing there had been no foul.

Despite being reduced to 10 players for almost the entire match, Ludovic Batelli’s team doubled their lead shortly after half-time. FUS Rabat defender Abderrahmane Arkid headed in from a corner in the 49th minute to make it 2-0.

Morocco’s numerical disadvantage gradually began to take its toll, however. Turkey increased the pressure as the game progressed and eventually overturned the deficit to secure a 2-2 draw.

The result will be frustrating for Morocco, who had appeared on course for a memorable victory after coping with the early red card. Their concerns over the refereeing decision and the way the match developed will add to that disappointment.

Even so, a point represents a useful outcome given that they spent approximately 80 minutes with one player fewer. The other match in Group A also ended level, with Tunisia and North Macedonia drawing 0-0.

That leaves all four teams on an equal footing after the first round of matches. Morocco can move to the top of the group with victory over Tunisia on Tuesday.

The group winner will qualify for the final and compete for the gold medal. The team finishing second will instead play in the third-place match for bronze.

Morocco had already enjoyed success at the Mediterranean Games earlier on Saturday, when their Under-17 women’s team beat Slovenia 4-0. The men’s side, though, were unable to complete a double victory after Turkey’s late response in the evening fixture.

The draw means Morocco must now recover quickly before their meeting with Tunisia. With the group standings tightly balanced and only one team guaranteed a place in the gold-medal final, that match could prove decisive in determining their route through the competition.