Ismael Saibari struck after just 72 seconds as Morocco edged Scotland 1-0 on Friday to strengthen their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for a second consecutive tournament.
The early breakthrough came when Brahim Díaz floated a precise pass over the Scottish defence, allowing Saibari to race through on goal.
The midfielder controlled the ball before firing a powerful effort into the top-left corner, leaving goalkeeper Angus Gunn with no chance.
The goal was Saibari’s second of the tournament after he also found the net in Morocco’s 1-1 draw against Brazil in their opening Group C fixture.
Morocco, who made history by reaching the semifinals at the last World Cup in Qatar, controlled much of the contest and nearly doubled their lead seven minutes after the break.
Bilal El Khannouss met an Achraf Hakimi corner with a header, but Gunn reacted well to keep Scotland in the game.
Scotland’s best opportunity of the first half arrived during stoppage time when captain Andy Robertson delivered a dangerous cross toward John McGinn, who was unable to make contact at the far post.
As the match progressed, Scotland increased the pressure in search of an equaliser, while Morocco looked dangerous on the counterattack.
The North Africans created two late openings to extend their advantage but failed to hit the target.
Scotland also appealed for a penalty in the 81st minute after Scott McTominay went down under a challenge from Neil El Aynaoui inside the area, but the referee waved away the claims.
McTominay, along with substitute Lyndon Dykes, continued to trouble the Moroccan defence in the closing stages, but Scotland could not find a breakthrough before the final whistle.
Despite the defeat, Scotland remain in contention to progress from the group.
The match also featured a poignant moment in the 76th minute when the Tartan Army observed a minute’s applause in memory of supporter Donny Strathie, 76, who died in Boston on Sunday.
