Mohamed Ouahbi: “These matches help us progress”

The national coach Mohamed Ouahbi shared his analysis after Morocco’s draw against Mali (1-1) on Sunday evening at the Grand Stade de Tanger. Despite the result, the Moroccan technician noted several positive takeaways from a match he specifically wanted to be challenging for his players.

“We played a real friendly match, with commitment and a high tempo against a very good team. This is exactly what we were looking for,” explained Mohamed Ouahbi after the match.

The coach of the Atlas Lions did not want to end this gathering with an opposition that posed no real difficulty. In his view, Mali provided the necessary resistance for Morocco to assess its level and identify areas where improvements are still needed.

“We did not want to end this camp with an easy match. It was good to play against a team of this level, which challenged us with its qualities,” he emphasized.

Ouahbi points out lack of depth

In his analysis of the Moroccan game, Mohamed Ouahbi particularly appreciated his team’s ability to retain possession and resist the opponent’s pressing. However, he believes the Lions could have exploited depth more effectively.

“We saw that we had quality and that the opponent struggled to press us and regain possession of the ball,” he noted, before acknowledging that his team “lacked a bit of depth” during certain phases.

The coach also believes that Morocco could have been more dangerous after the break and created more clear-cut chances.

Spaces left in the first half

Ouahbi did not shy away from addressing the defensive difficulties faced by his team, particularly during the first half.

“Defensively, we left a bit too much space in the first half. Perhaps we wanted to ignite the match too much,” admitted the Moroccan technician.

According to him, the Lions displayed more control in the second half. The coach also refuses to place the blame for the Malian goal on any one player, believing that defensive responsibility should remain collective.

Hakimi and Mazraoui, two important absences

When asked about the absences of Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged the importance of both internationals while expressing confidence in their replacements.

The coach considers Hakimi and Mazraoui as two key players capable of contributing significantly to the national team, but he reminds that Morocco must be able to step up when they are unavailable.

“One day we may have to play very important matches without these players, for various reasons. The others must be ready,” he explained, assuring that he feels no concern about this issue.

A positive gathering

Beyond the result against Mali, Mohamed Ouahbi ultimately assesses this gathering positively. The Moroccan coach particularly highlights the commitment of his players and the level of challenge posed by the opponent.

“We leave this camp satisfied. It has been very beneficial, and we will continue to work, evolve, and progress,” he stated.

For Ouahbi, the confrontation against Mali represents precisely the type of match the Atlas Lions need to move forward: “These matches help us progress.”