On Sunday, Morocco and Norway played to a 1-1 draw in Harrison, New Jersey, raising concerns about the fitness of key players Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli, both of whom had to be substituted before halftime just a week ahead of their World Cup debut.
Prior to this match, Chemsdine Talbi and Nayef Aguerd were already ruled out; both players are hopeful of being fit for Morocco's opening World Cup match against Brazil on June 14. Anass Salah-Eddine from PSV managed to play 65 minutes in a previous match against Madagascar but was not included in the squad for Sunday’s game.
In an unfortunate turn of events, both Mazraoui, a former Ajax player, and Ezzalzouli sustained injuries during the first half, casting doubt on their availability for the World Cup. Morocco took an early lead in the eighth minute, with Ismael Saibari from PSV leading the attack. Abde delivered a cross from the left to Brahim Díaz, whose shot proved unstoppable for goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, making it 1-0.
However, just 30 minutes into the match, Mazraoui had to leave the field due to an arm injury following a collision, replaced by Youssef Belammari. Before halftime, both Abde and Achraf Hakimi had opportunities to extend the lead, but Abde was forced to exit due to injury. In the second half, Morocco maintained control of the game but struggled with accuracy in front of goal, particularly Neil El Aynaoui.
In a surprising twist, Norway, who have not been at their best, managed to equalize a quarter of an hour before the final whistle. Oscar Bobb made a run down the right flank and assisted Martin Ødegaard, who found the net at the near post, bringing the score to 1-1.
Norway is making a return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, set to debut against Iraq on June 17, followed by matches against Senegal on June 23 and France on June 26. Meanwhile, Morocco will face Brazil on June 20, and later compete against Scotland and Haiti. Four years ago, the Atlas Lions made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals.
As reported by goal.com.
