Rabat – Morocco’s women’s national football team defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in a friendly at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium on Friday, with striker Ibtissam Jraidi scoring a second-half hat-trick in Eric Blahic’s first match as head coach.
The Atlas Lionesses came from behind to secure the victory after Uzbekistan took the lead through Diyurakhon in the 16th minute.
Despite creating several opportunities to score, Morocco struggled to find the equalizer before Jraidi changed the course of the match with an impressive performance after entering the game in the second half.
The Moroccan forward scored three times in just 14 minutes, finding the net in the 65th, 67th, and 79th minutes to complete her hat-trick and give the hosts a 3-1 victory.
Her three goals turned the match around and ensured that Blahic began his tenure with a win.
Jraidi makes the difference after the break
Uzbekistan initially took control of the scoreboard when Diyurakhon scored in the 16th minute, putting the visitors ahead during the opening half.
Morocco responded by searching for an equalizer and created several chances but could not convert them before the break.
The introduction of Jraidi in the second half proved decisive. The striker quickly made her presence felt, scoring twice within two minutes to turn Morocco’s deficit into a 2-1 lead.
She then completed her hat-trick in the 79th minute, extending the hosts’ advantage and sealing the result.
Jraidi’s contribution was particularly significant given Morocco’s difficulties in front of goal during the earlier stages of the encounter. Her clinical finishing allowed the Atlas Lionesses to turn their chances into goals and finish the match with a two-goal advantage.
Second friendly scheduled for Monday
Friday’s encounter also marked the beginning of Blahic’s tenure as coach of the Moroccan women’s national team. The friendly provided an opportunity for the team to prepare under its new leadership while continuing its preparations for upcoming international commitments.
The team is also preparing for the Olympic qualifying campaign.
Morocco and Uzbekistan will meet again on Monday in a second friendly scheduled to take place at Rabat’s Medina Stadium at 6 p.m. local time.
The upcoming encounter will give the Atlas Lionesses another opportunity to test themselves against the Uzbek side and continue their preparations.
Following Friday’s comeback victory, Morocco will aim to build on the result in the second meeting as Blahic continues his work with the national team.
Jraidi’s hat-trick provided the main highlight of the first friendly, as the Moroccan striker scored all three goals to secure a winning start for the Atlas Lionesses under their new coach.
