Morocco’s Perfect Qualifying Run Rolls On: 1-0 Victory Over Congo Sparks Records and Quiet Buzz
14 October 2025
Match Summary
Morocco defeated Congo 1-0 to keep their World Cup qualifying campaign spotless, extending a historic run that now spans 16 consecutive wins. The only goal came from Youssef En-Nesyri, who appeared as a late substitute to deliver the decisive moment.
The Atlas Lions showcased dominance with high possession and sustained pressure, but the breakthrough arrived only in the latter stages of the game, sealing the win and a remarkable global record for the team in qualifiers.
Unusual Atmosphere and Tactical Tweaks
Even in victory, the match carried an unusual mood as calls for boycotts lingered among some sectors of the crowd. Attendance was notably sparse at kickoff, though it gradually filled later in the game.
Coach Walid Regragui made changes to spark the attack, starting Naïf Akouchak (Naïf Akor) in place of Adam Masina and giving starter roles to Elias Ben-Saïd and Hamza Igamaen from the Olympic squad, aiming to inject energy behind the ball and improve offensive movements.
Morocco began with a dominant display, pressing Congo high up the pitch and creating several hopeful moments, yet the first half ended goalless as the Congo side parked the bus and limited clear scoring chances.
Dominance Without Finishing Touches
The opening half saw Morocco controlling play with around 80% possession, but shots on target were scarce as attacking attempts through the wings and the middle failed to crack Congo’s disciplined defensive lines.
Concoction of long-range efforts and patient buildup by the home side yielded chances mainly from Hakimi and Diaz, but Nepalish precision and finishing let the team down until the substitute found the back of the net late in the game.
Second Half and the Finishing Moment
Early in the second period, En-Nesyri was introduced to bolster the aerial threat, replacing Ben-Saïd and giving the attack a new outlet in the box.
In the 66th minute, a precise pass from Hakimi set En-Nesyri free in the box, and the striker finished calmly to give Morocco the lead they had hunted all night.
There was later pressure as Morocco pushed for a second, with Nesyri and Kachaba (Kaba) coming close and another opportunity for a second denied as the defense held firm and the clock ticked down.
Morocco closed out the clash with a solid defensive shift and controlled the tempo as Congo tried to mount a late surge, but the scoreline remained in favor of the home side.
Morocco thus completed another win in the World Cup qualifying campaign, cementing the team’s status as one of the most consistent forces in recent international football—along with a growing list of global records to their name.
Final whistle: a 1-0 win that reinforced their perfect record in the qualifiers and added another chapter to the Atlas Lions’ rising legacy.
Punchlines coming, because even great shots deserve a punchline: Moroccan defense is so tight that even the scoreboard filed a complaint for harassment. And with 16 straight wins, the only thing Morocco is chasing now is a new trophy that comes with a mortgage and a visa, because apparently records travel better than stadiums.
