El Kaabi's Bicycle Kick Lifts Morocco Past Benin in Flat Friendly

World 10 June 2025 at 14:36

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

Morocco wrapped up their international season with 1 - 0 win over Benin on Monday night, thanks to stunning Ayoub El Kaabi bicycle kick in first half stoppage time.

Despite the highlight reel goal, the Atlas Lions struggled to convince in front of packed stadium in Fez.

Experimentation Without Rhythm

Coach Walid Regragui rotated heavily, handing rare starts to fringe players like Zakaria El Ouahdi & Osama Sahraoui while Soufiane Rahimi joined El Kaabi in attack.

The changes, however disrupted the team’s flow. Morocco lacked urgency and their midfield offered little penetration against deep and disciplined Benin side.

Magic Moment from El Kaabi

Just before the break, El Kaabi latched onto long delivery from Adam Masina & executed acrobatic finish , the lone spark in otherwise cagey affair. Regragui introduced Bilal El Khannouss, Osama Targhalline and Achraf Hakimi late on but the pace never lifted.

Voices from the Camp

After the match, Regragui admitted:

"We tried new things, and of course, chemistry takes time. But win is win. Maybe I’ll come back in September clean shaven with hair transplant and win the AFCON" He joked.

Youssef En Nesyri added:

"It wasn’t easy but we respected the game and came through. Players are tired this time of year. But getting the win matters most" Keeper Yassine Bounou noted.

Looking Ahead

The victory marks Regragui’s 12th consecutive win, new national record. Morocco now shifts its focus to the 2026 World cup qualifiers where key names like Brahim Diaz, Abde Ezzalzouli, Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saass are expected to return.