MOROCCO EDGE SCOTLAND TO CONTINUE PERFECT START AFTER BRAZIL DRAW

Morocco strengthened their grip on Group C with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Scotland, a result coach Mohamed Ouahbi believes marked an improvement on their impressive draw with Brazil in their opener.

Ismael Saibari struck after just 71 seconds, scoring the fastest goal of the tournament so far and giving Morocco early control of a match they largely dictated in the first half.

“We controlled the whole game and, in terms of efficiency, I saw it as actually better than the first game,” said Ouahbi. “I see it as progress compared to the first game. So in the end, we are happy with the result.”

Scotland pushed harder after the break with a more physical, direct approach, but Morocco stood firm to protect their lead and secure a second strong result in the group.

“I believe we controlled the game, but when you don’t score a second goal, obviously, we have to defend because Scotland had a very intense approach,” Ouahbi added. “But I couldn’t be happier with the performance.”

The game also took place amid jeers directed at captain Achraf Hakimi, though Ouahbi insisted his leader was unaffected.

“Hakimi was extraordinary. He had a very strong game, so we’re very relaxed, and he’s especially relaxed,” he said.

Morocco now sit on four points and head into their final group match against Haiti knowing a win would confirm progression, with Ouahbi stressing the importance of finishing strongly.

“The objective will be to win the game and hopefully be number one in the group,” he said. “I’m going to field the best team possible.”