Morocco turns it on after halftime to edge Paraguay

Achraf Hakimi provided two assists in Morocco’s 2-1 international friendly victory over Paraguay on Tuesday evening at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, France.

After an uneventful first half, the Paris Saint-Germain star’s cross found Bilal El Khannouss for the opening goal in the 48th minute. Five minutes later, a devastating counter-attack from the Atlas Lions ended with another Hakimi cross finding Neil El Aynaoui for a simple finish from close range.

Atlas Lions coach Mohamed Ouahbi gave another start to recent dual national recruit Issa Diop in the defense, also handing a first start to exciting 20-year-old attacker Gessime Yassine as well as Strasbourg midfielder Samir El Mourabet. Despite the presence of several experienced players including Hakimi, it was a disjointed first half performance from the North Africans.

Morocco jump on Paraguay early in the second half

But Paraguay struggled to find their rhythm as well and Morocco came out inspired in the second half to take a two-goal lead. Paraguay improved their performance after going behind, with Gustavo Caballero providing a consolation goal late on.

 

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The preparations for the 2026 World Cup have concluded for now but there are likely to be final friendly matches ahead of the Atlas Lions’ group stage fixtures. They will begin their World Cup campaign on June 13 against Brazil in New Jersey.