Friendly: Benin can't break through against Morocco (1-0)

At the Grand Stade de Fès, Morocco defeated Benin 1-0 on Monday, June 9, 2025, thanks to a spectacular bicycle kick from Ayoub El Kaabi just before halftime in a friendly warm-up match.

Benin is still searching for its rhythm. Facing a disciplined and robust Moroccan side, Gernot Rohr's team suffered another disappointment. On Monday evening in Fès, the Cheetahs conceded a narrow defeat (1-0) in a friendly against the recent World Cup semi-finalists.

Benin solid but powerless in attack

The first half saw Walid Regragui's men dominate but fail to break through, repeatedly running up against a well-organized Beninese side anchored around a compact and focused defensive block. Ultimately, it was in first-half stoppage time that Ayoub El Kaabi broke the deadlock. On a deep pass from Adam Masina, the Olympiakos striker launched a stunning bicycle kick to hand his team the advantage. This goal, the 29th for the Moroccan international in national colors, rewarded Morocco's persistence and sent the home crowd into celebration.

In the second half, Morocco continued their dominance, seeking to double their lead. Despite several attempts, the Beninese defense, marshaled by Mohamed Tidjani and Olivier Verdon, stood firm. The substitutions made by Regragui, notably bringing on Achraf Hakimi for the final ten minutes, did not lead to a bigger scoreline. On the Benin side, their rare attacking forays failed to trouble Munir Mohamedi, the Moroccan goalkeeper, who had a relatively quiet evening.

This win allows Morocco to maintain their positive momentum ahead of upcoming challenges, notably the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and AFCON 2025. For Benin, this narrow defeat still offers reasons for optimism, especially the defensive solidity and the rise of young talents, even if adjustments are still needed in midfield and attack.

Lydiane N'Po |

Editorfr, en

Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.