In an exhilarating pre-World Cup encounter, Morocco and Norway played to a 1-1 draw, showcasing the talents of both teams in a match that was anything but dull. The Moroccan side, known as the Lions of the Atlas, took the lead thanks to a brilliant goal from Brahim, who executed a stunning finish after a well-coordinated transition. However, Norway's Martin Ødegaard, a former Real Madrid player, responded emphatically in the second half with a powerful strike that equalized the match. This friendly served as a significant test for both teams, leaving Morocco with a bittersweet feeling due to concerns over injuries to key players Mazraoui and Abde.
Both coaches, Ouahbi for Morocco and Solbakken for Norway, opted for aggressive lineups in this final test before the World Cup. Ouahbi persisted with Saibari as a false nine, flanked by Brahim and Abde on the wings, while also giving a starting opportunity to Bouaddi, an 18-year-old midfielder from Lille. Solbakken, on the other hand, unleashed a formidable attacking trio comprising Nusa, Haaland, and Sorloth, supported by Ødegaard.
The match promised an intense pace filled with back-and-forth action, and it quickly delivered. Morocco was the first to threaten, with Ounahi and Abde creating early chances, while Norway focused on maintaining possession, albeit without generating significant danger. A critical moment arrived when Norway lost possession in midfield, allowing Abde to execute a perfect switch to Brahim, who calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Nyland to open the scoring.
Norway responded with their aerial prowess and set-piece capabilities, earning several corner kicks. In their third attempt, Ajer rose above the Moroccan defense, but his header went just wide. Sorloth also found the net, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul on Mazraoui. The match continued to unfold at the Sports Illustrated Stadium, with Morocco looking dangerous every time they broke forward. Abde came close to doubling the lead with a shot from the edge of the box.
After a hydration break, Mazraoui left the field due to an apparent injury, replaced by Belammary. However, it was Hakimi who nearly extended Morocco's lead shortly thereafter. Following a rapid transition after defending a corner, he fired a shot from the edge of the area that just skimmed past the post.
Abde remained a constant threat throughout the first half, seizing a delightful chip pass from Brahim inside the box, but his volley sailed over Nyland's goal. As the match neared its conclusion, Norway created their clearest chance with Nusa, who almost equalized in injury time. Morocco countered, and Saibari nearly made it 2-0 just before halftime. Unfortunately for Moroccan supporters, Abde limped off the field with a right leg injury, raising serious concerns about his fitness.
Following the break, Abde did not return, with Rahimi taking his place, while Amrabat also came on for Bouaddi. Solbakken responded by substituting Schjelderup for Nusa, who struggled in the first half. The second half took a while to ignite, with Norway dominating possession in search of an equalizer. Yet, it was Morocco that nearly struck again, as Brahim found himself thwarted by Nyland, with El Aynaoui missing the follow-up opportunity.
As the match progressed past the hour mark, Ouahbi made significant changes, substituting seven players, including key figures such as Brahim and El Aynaoui. Solbakken followed suit shortly after, also introducing seven fresh faces, including Strand Larsen for Haaland, aiming to refresh Norway's attack.
Just a minute after entering the fray, Bobb orchestrated the equalizing goal for Norway, making a run down the right flank before delivering a precise cut-back pass to Ødegaard, who unleashed an unstoppable shot that left Bounou with no chance. In the waning moments of the match, Aasgaard had one last clear opportunity with a header following a distant free-kick taken by Ryerson, but the game ultimately ended with both teams satisfied with their performances yet conscious of the injuries that might affect their World Cup preparations.
As reported by marca.com.
