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Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui produced a fantastic performance as his national team, Morocco, beat Gabon 4-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier clash.
Former Ajax and Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech gave Morocco a commanding two-goal lead before the half-hour mark, as he converted twice from the penalty spot.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also scored a penalty with five minutes left before the break to give Gabon some hope of mounting a comeback.
However, strikes from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi eventually sealed the victory for the Atlas Lions.
New United signing Mazraoui played the entire match and was easily one of his side’s best performers at the Adrar Stadium, despite not getting on the score sheet.
He made one clearance and twice as many interceptions during the time he was on the pitch.
He also put in four tackles, in what was a defensively superb display. Mazraoui delved into seven ground duels and won six of them.
He was not as successful in the air, where he lost all two of the aerial challenges he contested.
The United full-back had 67 touches of the ball to his name and successfully found his Morocco teammates with 45 of the 49 passes he attempted. One of Mazraoui’s passes was a key pass.
The 26-year-old connected with all three long balls he attempted to ping.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
Mazraoui has been amazing for United since his arrival in the summer from Bayern Munich, and fans will be pleased to see that he is also doing well for his country.
Up next for Mazraoui and Morocco is a match against Lesotho on Monday, 9 September.
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2024-09-07 19:30:45
