Noussair Mazraoui Continues Strong Start to Season in Morocco’s 7-0 Annihilation of Lesotho
On November 19, 2024, Morocco delivered a stunning 7-0 victory over Lesotho in the latest round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The result was nothing short of dominant, further solidifying Morocco’s position as one of the continent’s top footballing powers. At the heart of the Moroccan machine was Noussair Mazraoui, the Bayern Munich full-back, whose stellar performance in the match was a continuation of his impressive start to the season.
A One-Sided Affair
The match, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was a complete mismatch from the outset. The Atlas Lions came out of the gates with a level of intensity and flair that was too much for the Lesotho national team to handle. Despite Lesotho’s valiant efforts, the Moroccan side’s superiority was evident in all aspects of the game—possession, passing accuracy, defensive organization, and attacking creativity.
The match was marked by several standout performances, but Mazraoui’s contribution stood out as he played an integral role in both attacking and defensive phases of play. While Morocco’s attacking prowess was on full display—helped by players like Achraf Hakimi, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Hakim Ziyech—Mazraoui’s work on the left flank demonstrated the kind of consistency and excellence that has made him a fixture in Morocco’s starting XI.
Mazraoui’s Key Performance in the 7-0 Win
Noussair Mazraoui’s performance against Lesotho was a perfect illustration of his growing importance to both his club and national team. The 26-year-old was deployed as a left-back, although his versatility allows him to operate effectively on either side of the defense or even in midfield. Against Lesotho, Mazraoui not only marshaled his defensive duties with composure, but also contributed significantly to Morocco’s attacking play.
In the first half, Mazraoui was a constant outlet down the left wing, linking up seamlessly with Ziyech and Yassine Bounou. His precise passing and ability to overlap created several chances for the forwards, and his deep runs into the box added an additional attacking dimension. Mazraoui’s defensive positioning was equally impressive, as he tracked back diligently to neutralize any potential threats from Lesotho’s infrequent counterattacks.
The most notable moment of Mazraoui’s performance came early in the match. In the 22nd minute, the Bayern Munich star played a beautifully timed cross from the left flank to Youssef En-Nesyri, who finished with clinical precision to give Morocco the 2-0 lead. The assist demonstrated Mazraoui’s ability to pick out runners in dangerous areas, showcasing his vision and awareness of his teammates’ movements.
In the second half, Mazraoui continued to be a thorn in Lesotho’s side, making several key tackles and interceptions in his defensive third. As the game opened up, he seized the opportunity to venture forward even more, supporting the attack and helping to stretch the Lesotho defense. His energy and commitment to both the defensive and attacking transitions made him one of the standout performers in a match already dominated by Morocco’s attacking stars.
The Evolution of Mazraoui’s Game
Mazraoui’s performance against Lesotho is a continuation of what has been a strong start to the season, both for his club, Bayern Munich, and his national team. Since his move to Bayern Munich from Ajax in 2022, Mazraoui has flourished in the Bundesliga, adapting well to the high demands of top-tier football. His versatility has allowed him to slot into different positions, and under coach Julian Nagelsmann (and now Thomas Tuchel), Mazraoui has grown into one of the most reliable full-backs in Europe.
At Bayern, he has demonstrated an excellent understanding of the game, combining his defensive stability with offensive contributions. His pace, technical skill, and intelligence on the ball allow him to function in various roles within the team. This versatility is one of the reasons he has been so important for Morocco and Bayern Munich.
For the national team, his rise to prominence has been a natural progression. Mazraoui was instrumental in Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals, where the Atlas Lions became the first African team in history to reach the semifinals. Mazraoui’s performances in Qatar were vital, with his defensive solidity and attacking contributions helping Morocco achieve success on the global stage.
In 2024, Mazraoui has continued to build on his form, becoming an essential part of Morocco’s qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His ability to deliver quality balls into the box, defend with composure, and provide additional attacking width makes him a key asset for Vahid Halilhodžić’s side.
Morocco’s Dominance in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
The 7-0 demolition of Lesotho was one of several commanding wins for Morocco in their ongoing campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. With players like Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, and Azzedine Ounahi also contributing heavily to Morocco’s stellar form, the Atlas Lions are showing that they are not just capable of competing at the highest levels but are also prepared to dominate on the continental stage.
Under Halilhodžić, Morocco has become a well-drilled and organized side, capable of breaking down opponents with clinical precision. Their style of play, which blends technical sophistication with tactical discipline, has made them a force to be reckoned with in Africa. The Lesotho match was the perfect example of this blend of precision and ruthlessness.
The win against Lesotho further underlined Morocco’s strength in the African qualifiers. Mazraoui, who has continued his strong club form into international duty, is a key player in Morocco’s push to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. With a well-rounded squad and a player like Mazraoui at their disposal, Morocco’s aspirations of continuing to build on their legacy as one of the continent’s top teams are realistic.
Looking Ahead: Mazraoui’s Role in Morocco’s Future
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, Mazraoui’s role in the Moroccan national team is only going to grow more important. He has already established himself as one of the best full-backs in Africa and one of Morocco’s key players. His strong start to the season, combined with his performances at Bayern Munich and with Morocco, makes him a player to watch in the upcoming international competitions.
Beyond his technical abilities, Mazraoui’s leadership and maturity on the pitch are qualities that will continue to make him indispensable to Halilhodžić. As the national team aims for another successful tournament, Mazraoui’s versatility, energy, and consistency will be essential in helping Morocco challenge for the Africa Cup of Nations title.
Conclusion
The 7-0 thrashing of Lesotho serves as a testament to the growing strength of Morocco under Noussair Mazraoui’s influence. His performances for both Bayern Munich and the national team have cemented him as one of the finest full-backs in world football. As Morocco continues their quest for African glory, Mazraoui will undoubtedly be a key figure in ensuring their success. His contributions to Morocco’s latest demolition of Lesotho are just another chapter in what looks set to be an even brighter future for the dynamic defender.
