Morocco delivered a strong World Cup statement with a 4-0 win over Madagascar in Rabat. Ismael Saibari struck twice as Morocco controlled the friendly at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah. The performance came with Achraf Hakimi rested, yet Morocco still created 3.76 expected goals and faced little danger.

That dominance keeps pressure high as Morocco return to the World Cup stage after the 2022 semi-finals. Morocco also arrive in North America as Africa Cup of Nations champions, after a contentious title run. The first World Cup match is against Brazil, before a final warm-up with Norway on Sunday.

Hakimi, fresh from Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League success three days earlier, did not feature in this game. Morocco still started fast at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah. Saibari opened the scoring inside four minutes, meeting Bilal El Khannouss’s delivery with a precise header that beat the Madagascar goalkeeper.

The PSV forward then added a second goal in the 24th minute, finishing another sharp attack from close range. Saibari almost completed a hat-trick before the break but missed a good chance. Across the 90 minutes, Morocco unleashed 20 attempts and hit the target nine times, reflecting clear attacking control.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi used the occasion to mix regulars and squad options across both halves. After the interval, Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi were introduced to increase tempo in midfield and attack. Their link-up changed the match’s rhythm as Madagascar tired under Morocco’s sustained possession and pressing.

The third goal arrived on 78 minutes after Thomas Fontaine brought down Ounahi inside the area. Rahimi converted the resulting penalty with a composed strike. Madagascar’s El Hadary Raheriniaina then received a red card for foul and abusive language, leaving the visitors to finish the match with ten players.

Morocco’s pressure continued and was rewarded again late on when Ayoub El Kaabi added the fourth goal. That strike capped a display which matched the 3.76 expected goals figure on the night. The result, and the margin of victory, underlined Morocco’s attacking options ahead of major tests in North America.

The Morocco camp highlighted the result with a full-time message on social media.

Hakimi remains central to Morocco’s plans after a standout 2022 World Cup. Hakimi made more tackles (26) than any other player at that tournament and had the second-most ground duels won (41). Ouahbi will welcome how commanding Morocco looked without Hakimi, while Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz only appeared as a late substitute.

Diaz’s limited minutes mean extra freshness for the Norway friendly, which closes Morocco’s World Cup preparation. With a 4-0 win secured, depth tested and key players rested, Morocco move towards Brazil with momentum. The display against Madagascar supported expectations of another deep World Cup run under Ouahbi.