Hakim Ziyech comes off the bench with assist as Morocco beat Ghana in warm up friendly
The Chelsea winger was axed in Vahid Halilhodzic’s first eleven that faced the Black Stars of Ghana in Rabat Tuesday evening.
Despite the surprised omission, Ziyech was the manufacture of his country’ 1-0 win over Charles Akonnor’s men before Morocco meet Burkina Faso in another friendly on Saturday evening.
Ghana also dropped their captain Andre Ayew with younger brother Jordan leading Black Stars to face the Atlas Lions as Ghana prepare for September’s Qatar 2022 World Qualifiers.
There was a major squad boost for both Daniel Amartey and Ghana after reuniting for the first time in four years with the Leicester City man having battled with series of injuries.
Amartey was paired with Nicholas Opoku at heart of Black Star’s defense as they squeeze Morocco to a half goalless draw. Though the Moroccans were the better side in the first half, Ghana proved too solid for the North Africans to break after the first 45’ minutes.
Both sides got their chances for the deadlock breaker but accuracy was largely the missing element in especially Morocco’s plays as they were the side that consistently threatened Akonnor’s men on several occasions in the first half.
Eventually, Hakim Ziyech joined the game in second half and assisted Yamiqwith a nicely delivered free kick into Ghana’s penalty area.
And while there was a punching mistake from Ghana keeper Razak Abelora, the ball fell to Jawad El Yamiq who challenge his markers before heading it into the next.
Morocco remain unbeaten in the International stage for two years now and will put their fate on the line again against Burkina on Saturday. Ghana will fly down to prepare for neighbouring country Ivory Coast at the Cape Stadium on Saturday.
