Morocco Faces Benin Six Years After AFCON Heartbreak

Walid Regragui is determined to make the most of next games to build momentum and build up chemistry among the squad

Morocco will play a friendly against Benin next June at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The match rekindles memories of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, when Benin stunned Morocco and knocked them out of the competition in a dramatic game.

In that AFCON Round of 16 match, Morocco had the upper hand throughout the game but failed to convert big chances. Morocco scored first with a goal from Youssef En-Nesyri, but Benin managed to level out after Atlas Lion defender Nayef Aguerd scored an own goal. Then in the last minutes of the game, Morocco got awarded a penalty but Hakim Ziyech failed to put it in the back of the net.

Extra time didn’t produce a winner, leaving the match to hang on the penalties. Benin held their nerve to win 4-1 in the shootout after Morocco missed the first two penalties.

The shocking loss still haunts Moroccan fans. Many still regret that if only Ziyech left the penalty kick to M’Barek Boussoufa.

Morocco and Benin have faced off six times, with the Atlas Lions winning five. Benin’s sole victory remains that unforgettable night in Egypt. This upcoming match will be an important test for Morocco as they finetune their squad ahead of the 2025 AFCON hosted on home soil.

After Benin, they will face either Côte d’Ivoire or Nigeria – or possibly a heavyweight European side. The team’s coaching staff is eager to assess key players and experiment with tactics.