Morocco 1-1 Ecuador｜Match Analysis & HEAT Score

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Morocco 1-1 Ecuador｜Match Analysis & HEAT Score | LEXORA FOOTBALL

AI Report

Late Drama Sees Morocco Draw 1-1 with Ecuador in Ouahbi's Debut

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Morocco

Relief

Morocco's fans felt relief after their team secured a late equalizer in the first match under a new coach, overcoming a missed penalty and a disallowed goal to avoid defeat.

AWAY

Ecuador

Frustration

Ecuadorian fans experienced disappointment and emptiness as their team conceded a late equalizer, letting a potential victory slip away after leading for much of the second half.

Yeboah's Opener and Morocco's Response

The friendly match in Madrid kicked off with both teams showing attacking intent. After a goalless first half, Ecuador broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when John Yeboah, assisted by Gonzalo Plata, calmly slotted home with his left foot. Trailing by a goal, Morocco, playing their first match under new coach Mohamed Ouahbi, intensified their offensive efforts, particularly through the creative play of Brahim Díaz, as they pushed for an equalizer.

Penalty Miss and VAR Disallowed Goal

Morocco had a golden opportunity to level the score in the 59th minute when Neil El Aynaoui was fouled in the box, earning a penalty. However, El Aynaoui's spot-kick was saved by Ecuador's goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez. Adding to the drama, Rabii Hrimat converted the rebound, but the goal was subsequently disallowed by VAR for offside, leaving Moroccan fans frustrated and deflated.

El Aynaoui Redeems Himself with Late Equalizer

Despite the earlier penalty miss and disallowed goal, Morocco refused to give up. In the 88th minute, Neil El Aynaoui, making amends for his earlier miss, rose highest to head home a crucial equalizer from an Achraf Hakimi cross. This dramatic late goal secured a draw for Morocco in their first game under the new coach, denying Ecuador a hard-fought victory and leaving them to rue the missed opportunity to claim all three points.

Morocco, recently crowned 'promoted champions' of AFCON 2025, began a new era under coach Mohamed Ouahbi with this friendly against Ecuador. As they prepare for the World Cup, the match highlighted both potential and areas for improvement. Despite some unfortunate moments like a missed penalty and a VAR-disallowed goal, the late comeback to draw showcased the team's resilience under the new leadership. Fans are hopeful for continued growth and World Cup success, while also keen to see improvements in finishing and defensive cohesion.

Ouahbi's Debut and Dramatic Draw

This match marked the debut of Mohamed Ouahbi as Morocco's new head coach, a significant moment following their 'promoted champions' status in AFCON 2025. The game presented challenges, with Ecuador scoring first and Morocco facing a penalty miss and a VAR-disallowed goal. However, the dramatic 88th-minute equalizer demonstrated the team's fighting spirit and Ouahbi's influence. This draw provides a respectable start to the new coaching era, offering both lessons and encouragement for the road ahead.

Neil El Aynaoui's Rollercoaster Performance

Neil El Aynaoui was at the heart of the match's most dramatic moments. After winning a penalty in the 59th minute, he failed to convert it, and a subsequent rebound goal was disallowed by VAR. Yet, he refused to be defeated. In the 88th minute, El Aynaoui scored a crucial header, redeeming himself and snatching a draw for Morocco. His journey from penalty despair to late heroics significantly amplified the game's emotional intensity for both sets of fans.

Next Match Focus

Morocco will now look to build on this draw as they face Paraguay in their next friendly. Under the new coach, the focus will be on refining tactics and improving team cohesion ahead of the World Cup. Addressing the finishing issues and defensive stability observed in this match will be key priorities. Ecuador, meanwhile, will aim to learn from conceding a late equalizer and make adjustments for their upcoming match against the Netherlands, continuing their own World Cup preparations.