Morocco stunned Brazil with a 2-1 victory in a friendly international for a significant and historic win for the North African country.
Before the match at the Ibn Batouta stadium, both teams paid tribute to Pele, who died last December at the age of 82. Morocco gave it their all to earn their first-ever win over the five-time world champions. It was concrete evidence that their success in becoming the first Arab or African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals last year was no fluke.
Midfielder, Sofiane Boufal, gave Morocco the lead in the 29th minute, while on-loan Sampdoria midfielder, Abdelhamid Sabiri, struck the winner in the 79th minute with a volley. However, Brazil skipper, Casemiro, leveled the game in the 67th minute with a weak shot that goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, fumbled.
It was a much-changed Brazilian squad and only 10 of the 23-man Seleçao that took Brazil to a disappointing quarter-final exit at the World Cup made the trip to Morocco for the game. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) hopes to announce the name of its new coach before the start of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in September, with Carlo Ancelotti being their first choice.
However, the Real Madrid coach is expected to make a decision on his future after the end of the European season.