Dominance Without Reward… Until the Breakthrough
From the very first whistle, Walid Regragui’s men took full control of the game, dictating play and pressing high. Yet despite their relentless attacks, Bahrain’s disciplined and compact defense refused to yield.
The chances kept coming: Achraf Hakimi fired narrowly wide in the 11th minute, while Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi were both denied by Bahrain’s standout goalkeeper, Ebrahim Lutfalla, who turned in a heroic performance. Just before halftime, Ismael Saibari came inches away from opening the scoring off a perfect cross from Bilal El Khannouss (45+4’).
Regragui’s Tactical Gamble Pays Off
With frustration growing in the stands, Regragui turned to his bench for inspiration. En-Nesyri, Hamza Igamane, Ilias Akhomach, and Chemsdine Talbi were brought on to inject energy and creativity.
En-Nesyri nearly broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute after pressing high and intercepting a loose pass, but his shot drifted just wide. Akhomach also came close with a curling effort in the 83rd minute, but luck seemed to desert the Atlas Lions once again. Just when the match appeared destined for a draw, the spark finally came.
El Yamiq, the Hero in the Dying Seconds
In the 94th minute, Jawad El Yamiq rose above everyone to send the stadium into raptures. Connecting perfectly with a pinpoint corner from Achraf Hakimi, the Fenerbahçe defender powered home a thunderous header to seal a last-gasp win for Morocco.
The stadium erupted in celebration—a victory snatched from the jaws of a draw, and one that will go down as a historic milestone. Morocco now stands shoulder to shoulder with Spain, both sharing the record for 15 straight victories.
Chasing History Next Tuesday
Already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, the Atlas Lions will have another chance to make history on Tuesday when they face Congo. A win would see them surpass Spain and stand alone atop world football’s record books.
With renewed confidence, unshakable mental strength, and a golden generation guided by Walid Regragui, Morocco continues to inspire a nation, a nation that, without a doubt, still has plenty to roar about.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv