Led by Morocco until the last seconds, Argentina managed to turn the game around and level the score (2-2). Tarik Sektioui’s men put on a fine performance, thanks to a brace from Soufiane Rahimi, solid interventions from Munir El Kajoui, and a promising team play for the upcoming challenges.
From the very first minutes, Morocco imposed relentless pressure while the Albiceleste controlled the ball, but the intensity from both sides was high. Morocco tried to press Julian Alvarez’s team high.
The Argentinians were present at the start of the match, capitalizing on Sektioui’s men’s mistakes, who missed numerous chances to take the lead.
In the 29th minute, Eliesse Ben Seghir tried to slip the ball through the defense but couldn’t find any of his teammates, leading to a free kick for Morocco. Ilias Akhomach stepped up to take it himself, but it went directly to Geronimo Rulli.
The Atlas Cubs found the breakthrough in the stoppage time of the first half thanks to Soufiane Rahimi (45+2’). Akhomach outmaneuvered the opposing defense with a roulette move, sending El Khannouss deep, who crossed strongly to the near post. Rahimi was there to powerfully finish into the goal.
In the early minutes of the second half, Morocco won a penalty after a fierce tackle from Julio Cesar, which Soufiane Rahimi converted (51’), securing his brace in this match.
Despite their significant lead, Morocco continued to push in the second half. After another incursion into the Albiceleste’s camp, Soufiane Rahimi was close to a hat-trick.
Half an hour from the end, Argentina managed to score from a mid-distance free kick, with Munir leaping high to intercept the cross.
The Albiceleste eventually found the net in the 68th minute thanks to Giuliano Simeone, who received a great pass in the box and shot into the top right corner.
Argentina could have doubled their tally a few minutes later, but El Kajoui stood firm on his line. A one-on-one won. Morocco bent but didn’t break.
Ten minutes from the end, El Kajoui again saved his team from an Argentine equalizer after Julian Alvarez received a superb pass in the box but was stopped by the Moroccan keeper.
Morocco continued to push while the referee added 15 minutes to stoppage time, giving Benjamin Bouchouari a chance to slip through the defense and position himself well in front of the goal. He pulled the trigger but failed as the ball curved around the right post.
In the final minutes of stoppage time, Argentina went all out to level the score, but Morocco’s defense and goalkeeper stood impenetrable until the last second, when Medina turned the game around (90+15’) in a completely improbable scenario.
Nevertheless, Morocco delivered a high-level match, showing their offensive and defensive qualities against a fierce Argentine team. An overly generous (and incomprehensible) stoppage time punished Tarik Sektioui’s brilliant team.
The Atlas Cubs will have the chance to turn things around with Ukraine on the 27th at the same Geoffroy-Guichard stadium before facing Iraq on the 30th at Allianz Riviera in Nice.
