Morocco held to 1-1 draw by Ecuador in first friendly under new coach

The Morocco national football team were held to a 1-1 draw against Ecuador national football team in their first March friendly match as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match took place at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and marked the debut of new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who recently replaced Walid Regragui.

Ecuador opened the scoring in the 48th minute through John Yeboah, who combined well with Gonzalo Plata before firing a shot into the net from inside the box.

Morocco responded in the 59th minute when Gonzalo Plata committed a foul inside the penalty area on Neil El Aynaoui. The referee awarded a penalty, taken by El Aynaoui in the 62nd minute.

Although the Ecuadorian goalkeeper saved the initial attempt, the rebound fell to Rabii Hrimat, who scored—but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review due to encroachment.

Morocco eventually found their equalizer in the 88th minute. A well-delivered corner from Achraf Hakimi was met by a header from El Aynaoui, who scored his first international goal in style to level the match before the game ended 1-1.

The Atlas Lions are set to face Paraguay national football team in another friendly on March 31.

Morocco have been drawn into Group C of the World Cup, alongside Brazil national football team, Haiti national football team, and Scotland national football team.

Watch game highlights:

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