On Friday, the Metropolitano Stadium hosted a friendly encounter between Morocco and Ecuador that concluded in a 1-1 stalemate. Ecuador opened the scoring with a remarkable goal from John Yeboah in the 48th minute, putting pressure on Morocco.
However, Morocco found their response just five minutes from the end, with Neil El Aynaoui scoring in the 83rd minute to bring the match back on level terms.
In a twist of fate, El Aynaoui had a golden opportunity to secure an earlier equalizer when he missed a penalty in the 62nd minute, which could have changed the course of the match.
El Aynaoui’s overall performance was impressive, making him the standout player of the match, as he attempted two shots at goal and netted Morocco’s vital goal.
Meanwhile, John Yeboah’s contribution for Ecuador was also significant, having his name on the scoresheet earlier in the match.
Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, set his team up in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Yassine Bounou in goal; with Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, and Noussair Mazraoui forming the defense. The midfield included Brahim Díaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Neil El Aynaoui, Mohamed Hrimat, and Abde Ezzalzouli, while Ismael Saibari led the attack.
On the other side, Ecuador’s coach, Sebastián Beccacece, opted for a 3-6-1 scheme with Hernán Galíndez in goal; Joel Ordóñez, Willian Pacho, and Piero Hincapié in defense. The midfield stood strong with Alan Franco, Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Alan Minda, John Yeboah, and Gonzalo Plata, while Enner Valencia spearheaded the attack.
The match was officiated by the referee, José Munuera Montero, in what was a well-contested friendly encounter.
Substitutions for Morocco
72’ – Azzedine Ounahi was replaced by Bilal El Khannouss and Ismael Saibari was substituted for Soufiane Rahimi.
81’ – Abde Ezzalzouli left the field for Chemsdine Talbi, and Mohamed Hrimat was taken off for Samir El Mourabet.
82’ – Noussair Mazraoui was substituted by Anass Salah Eddine.
89’ – Brahim Díaz was replaced by Yassine Gessime.
Yellow Card for Morocco:
35’ – Issa Diop received a yellow card for unsporting behavior.
Substitutions for Ecuador
71’ – Alan Minda was replaced by Ángelo Preciado and Piero Hincapié was substituted for Pervis Estupiñán.
77’ – John Yeboah left the game for Kendry Páez and Enner Valencia was replaced by Kevin Rodríguez.
92’ – Pedro Vite was substituted by Jordy Alcívar, and Gonzalo Plata was taken off for Jeremy Arévalo.