Morocco Edges Out Mozambique in Pre-World Cup Friendly
Morocco secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Mozambique in a friendly match held on Friday, 14 November 2025, at the Grand Stade in Tangier. The match, intended as preparation for both teams, saw Azzedine Ounahi scoring the decisive goal early in the game.
The Atlas Lions, ranked 12th in the FIFA rankings, aimed to maintain their momentum following their historic performance at the 2022 World Cup. Mozambique, positioned at 101st, sought to gain valuable experience against a high-caliber opponent.
The match wasn't without its drama. Reports surfaced of Mozambican players threatening to boycott the game over unpaid dues. The players reportedly demanded an additional $5,000 on top of their agreed payment from the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF). While they had received $1,200 and bonuses for their victory against Somalia, the FMF claimed a lack of funds to meet the extra demand. The FMF cited an agreement with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation that didn't include additional financial compensation beyond sports-related expenses.
Despite the off-field issues, the match proceeded as scheduled. Morocco's starting lineup featured key players such as Yassine Bounou, Noussair Mazraoui, and Brahim Díaz. The game saw several substitutions from both sides, impacting the tempo of the match, particularly in the second half.
Ultimately, Morocco's early goal proved to be enough to secure the win in this international friendly. The match served as a valuable opportunity for both teams to assess their squads and strategies ahead of upcoming competitions.
Match Details:
- Teams: Morocco vs. Mozambique
- Score: 1-0
- Goalscorer (Morocco): Azzedine Ounahi
- Venue: Grand Stade, Tangier
- Date: 14 November 2025