Morocco defeated Brazil 2-1 in a friendly match on Saturday night, thereby earning their first-ever victory against the heavily-favored South Americans. 65,000 fans filled the sold-out Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco to witness the Moroccan underdogs claim their historic win.
Brazil appeared more aggressive at the start of the game, constantly bombarding the Moroccan goalmouth when Palmeiras winger Rony, who was making his international debut, missed a close chance in the 13th minute.
In the 22nd minute, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou came close to gifting Brazil an opening goal, passing the ball to Vinicius Junior to score an empty net goal. The goal was ruled offside, however, thereby allowing Morocco to hold onto the goalless draw.
Against the run of play, Morocco scored the opener when Brazilian defender Emerson Royal lost the ball in his own box, allowing Sofiane Boufal to score from close range.
Going into the second half, Bounou made a goalkeeping blunder yet again, failing to hold onto a soft shot by Casemiro. The ball fell back to Casemiro, who found the back of the net the second time around.
Morocco’s disappointment was short-lived, however, as substitute Abdelhamid Sabiri tracked down a loose ball in the 79th minute to belt in a powerful shot to hand the hosts a historic victory.
