FIFA WC 2026: Morocco wins, Ghana is held back in friendlies
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All original articlesThe African selections are in the final sprint of preparations for the World Cup. Tuesday evening, Morocco and Ghana played friendly matches with varying fortunes. If the Lions of the Atlas took a 4-0 win over Madagascar, the Black Stars were caught by Wales (1-1).
A fiery attack from Morocco
Morocco has a huge offensive potential and confirms it match after match. After dominating (5-0) Burundi, the Lions of the Atlas have shattered Madagascar (4-0). Ismael Saibari, double winner, Soufiane Rahimi and Ayoub El Kaabi were the scorers of this match played at the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat.
With no goals conceded in two pre competition games, the defence is showing reassuring signs. The Moroccan selection will have a real opposition at the last match of preparation against Norway on Sunday, June 7 at 19h GMT. After that, she will enter the competition at the World Cup against Brazil on June 13 at 22:00 GMT in group C.
The other major fact is the sparkling shape displayed by Ayoub El Kaabi since the beginning of the preparation. The Olympiacos striker has scored 3 goals in two friendly matches: a double against Burundi and a goal against Madagascar.
Ghana, adjustments still to be made
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Carlos Queiroz has little time to solve all the problems of Ghana. But, against Wales, the Ghanaian selection made a great impression. Only false note, the deconcentration of the Ghanaian players at the end of the match which led to the equalization of the Welsh. Caleb Yirenyi opened the scoring for the Black Stars in the 66th minute before conceding the equalizer in added time by Lewis Coumas.
On the positive side, the Ghanaian defence was in place. It contained the repeated assaults of the Welsh in the first half without breaking. In the second half, Carlos Queiroz’s men gained momentum, especially on the offensive side. Ernest Nuamah was a constant threat. Caleb Yirenyi, the striker, also made a great entrance.
A great performance in the last preparation match. Ghana, now confident, can calmly manage its first exit to the 2026 World Cup against Panama, this Wednesday, June 17 at 23:00 GMT in Toronto.