Morocco held by Uzbekistan in Eric Blahic’s second match in charge

Morocco’s women were held to a goalless draw by Uzbekistan on Monday in Eric Blahic’s second game as head coach.

The Atlas Lionesses were unable to convert their dominance into a goal as the 51st-ranked Uzbekistan, who are 14 places above Morocco in the world rankings, secured a 0-0 draw at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

The result came three days after Morocco had claimed a dramatic victory at Moulay El Hassan. Ghizlane Chebbak and her team controlled much of the return fixture, particularly after the interval, but could not find a decisive finish.

Kautar Azraf was the most influential attacking player for Morocco. The young Barca forward repeatedly troubled the Uzbekistan defence but lacked accuracy when presented with opportunities.

Her clearest chance came in the 75th minute, when she dribbled past two or three opponents before sending her shot narrowly wide of the Uzbekistan goalkeeper’s left-hand post.

Two minutes later, Azraf went close again. This time the goalkeeper was forced to make a save and turn the ball behind for a corner.

Morocco’s substitutes could not provide the breakthrough. Fatima Tagnaout appeared to have put the hosts ahead after turning the ball into an empty net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on the Uzbekistan goalkeeper.

The Atlas Lionesses had one final opportunity in stoppage time. After Azraf delivered a long cross-field pass, Anissa Lahmari was unable to make contact from close range at the penalty spot in the fourth minute of added time.

Morocco therefore ended their first international gathering under Blahic with mixed results. Despite the frustration of failing to beat Uzbekistan, their performance and control of the match offered encouragement for the next stage of the team’s development.