The Morocco national football team played to a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in their first friendly match of March, marking an important step in their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Held at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, this match was notable for being the debut of new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who recently took over from Walid Regragui. Ecuador struck first in the 48th minute when John Yeboah linked up well with Gonzalo Plata before firing a shot from inside the box into the net.

Morocco answered back in the 59th minute when Neil El Aynaoui was fouled in the penalty area by Plata. The referee awarded a penalty, which El Aynaoui took in the 62nd minute. Though the Ecuadorian goalkeeper saved the initial shot, the ball rebounded to Rabii Hrimat, who found the net, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review indicated encroachment.

The Atlas Lions finally found their equalizer in the 88th minute. A perfectly delivered corner kick from Achraf Hakimi was met with a powerful header from El Aynaoui, who scored his first international goal and leveled the match before it ended in a 1-1 draw.

Looking ahead, Morocco is set to face the Paraguay national team in another friendly on March 31. They’ve been placed in Group C for the World Cup, where they’ll compete against Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.