Morroco to be without Mazraoui, Ezzalzouli in World Cup opener vs Brazil
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Noussair Mazraoui are doubtful for Morocco’s World Cup opener against Brazil on Saturday in a double injury blow for the North Africans.
The duo went off early in their final World Cup preparatory match against Norway on Sunday.
Mazraoui was substituted in the 29th minute following a shoulder injury while Ezzalzouli was replaced at halftime.
Morocco coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, was impressed with the team’s performance against Norway while expressing concerns about the injured players.
He said: “We left a good impression despite not winning because we really showed some very good things against a very good opponent.
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“That’s the point of playing against teams like this. When you make so many changes (10 in total), it’s difficult for the player but it was important that we managed everyone’s playing time.
“Two players went off injured. We’re waiting to see how serious it is. I’m more concerned about that.”
Morocco stunned the world at the 2022 World Cup when they reached the semi-final stage of the tournament before they lost out to France 2-0.
In the third place match, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Croatia.
The Atlas Lions are in Group C at the 2026 tournament, and they will take on Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.
Their first match is against Brazil on Saturday, and they will battle it out with Scotland four days later before ending the group stage against Haiti on June 24.
