FOXBOROUGH — Ismael Saibari scored after just 72 seconds as Morocco defeated Scotland 1-0 on Friday to boost its hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for a second consecutive tournament.
The early goal at Gillette Stadium proved enough for the Atlas Lions, who followed their opening draw against Brazil with a crucial victory that moved them closer to qualification from Group C.
“We wanted three points and we got them,” Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said.
Saibari, who also scored Morocco’s goal in the 1-1 draw against Brazil in the opening match, struck in only the second minute after a swift attacking move caught Scotland off guard.
Brahim Diaz delivered a precise ball over the top for the PSV Eindhoven forward, who slipped between two defenders before firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner beyond goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
The goal was Saibari’s second of the tournament after scoring just 21 minutes into his World Cup debut against Brazil.
Morocco, which became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals in Qatar four years ago, controlled much of the contest and limited Scotland’s attacking opportunities.
The Scots struggled to break down Morocco’s organized defense and finished with only six attempts on goal.
Morocco nearly doubled its advantage early in the second half when Bilal El Khannouss met Achraf Hakimi’s corner with a header that Gunn managed to keep out.
Scotland’s best chance came in first-half stoppage time when Andy Robertson delivered a dangerous cross toward John McGinn, who narrowly failed to make contact at the far post.
As Scotland pushed forward in search of an equalizer during the closing stages, Morocco created further opportunities on the counterattack but failed to extend the lead.
“We gave them a game,” Scotland coach Steve Clarke said. “We’re sure we can compete at this level.”
Midfielder Lewis Ferguson believed the result did not reflect Scotland’s performance.
“I thought the performance didn’t match the result, if I’m honest,” he said. “We took the game to them.”
The victory leaves Morocco well positioned to advance to the knockout stage ahead of its final group match against Haiti in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Scotland, meanwhile, faces a difficult task against Brazil in Miami Gardens as it attempts to keep alive its hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in its history.
Source: Saudi Gazette