Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has vowed his team will target all three points against Scotland after a 1-1 draw with five-time champions Brazil in their Group C opener, insisting his players were left “sad” they could not claim a famous victory.
Speaking after Saturday’s pulsating encounter at MetLife Stadium, the 49-year-old tactician praised his team’s ambition but warned they would not settle for a single point. “We wanted to win, we didn’t settle for the draw, but we’re not sad,” Ouahbi told reporters via an interpreter. “We have done a high-level match. That’s football. I talked to the players—I felt they were upset because they wanted to win.”
The Atlas Lions, semifinalists four years ago, dominated the early exchanges and took a deserved lead in the 21st minute. Ismael Saibari latched onto Brahim Diaz’s through ball and chipped Brazil goalkeeper Alisson for his 10th international goal.
First-half dominance gives way to second-half drop
Morocco controlled the midfield for long stretches, pressing Brazil relentlessly in oppressive heat that reached 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The South Americans struggled to retain possession before Vinícius Júnior—scoring on his 50th appearance—hammered home an angled equalizer just 11 minutes after Morocco’s opener.
Ouahbi noted the weather played a role as his team’s intensity waned after the interval. “The rhythm dropped in the second half, which is normal given the conditions,” he said. “We’ll learn to finish matches the way we start them.”
Scottish test presents different tactical challenge
Morocco next face Scotland at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Friday, June 19.”They play a completely different style to Brazil—more direct, physical, and dangerous in the box,” Ouahbi said. “For the next match, we’re going for the three points, inshallah.”
Ouahbi era dawns with promise after U‑20 triumph
Ouahbi, a Belgian-born former teacher who never played professionally, was appointed in early March to replace Walid Regragui.The relatively unknown coach arrived with impeccable credentials: in 2025, he led Morocco’s Under‑20s to a historic World Cup title in Chile, defeating Argentina in the final.
Despite the tight timeframe, Ouahbi has quickly instilled a high-pressing, possession-based style, shifting from Regragui’s preferred 4‑3‑3 to a fluid 4‑2‑3‑1 formation.
Star quality shines amid youthful promise
Ouahbi singled out 18‑year‑old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for particular praise. Bouaddi—who captained France’s Under‑21 side months ago before switching allegiance—”played well” and “has experience in the Champions League,” Ouahbi said, adding that Bouaddi’s decision to represent Morocco followed “many talks with him.”
With veteran goalkeeper Yassine Bounou expected to recover from a shoulder knock,the Atlas Lions will look to captain Achraf Hakimi—reigning African Player of the Year—to lead the charge.Brahim Diaz, the Real Madrid forward who was the top scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations, remains the creative fulcrum after providing the assist for Saibari’s opener.
Ouahbi demands more: ‘We’re not euphoric’
Despite the impressive showing, Morocco’s coach insisted his side is capable of more. “The message to our fans is that I know they are very proud of us. We showed we’re ambitious. We drew, but we showed we wanted to win,” Ouahbi said. “We are satisfied, but not euphoric. This is not the end. You’ll have a lot of fun watching us.”
Morocco close their group campaign against Haiti in Atlanta on June 24. Victory against Scotland would put the Atlas Lions in a commanding position to reach the knockout rounds for a third consecutive World Cup.
