Morocco’s Under-20 side opened its 2026 Mediterranean Games campaign with a 2-2 draw against Turkey on Saturday in Brindisi, Italy. Playing with ten men for nearly 80 minutes after an 11th-minute red card, the North African outfit surrendered a two-goal advantage in stoppage time.
Early dominance undone by Soukrat’s dismissal
Coach Ludovic Batelli’s side started decisively at the Franco-Fanuzzi Stadium. Yahya Ighiz, operating for Raja Casablanca, gave Morocco the lead within 60 seconds following a Hamza Raji assist. The advantage lasted just ten minutes before Bilal Soukrat’s expulsion left the Atlas Lions significantly undermanned for the remainder of the contest.
Despite the numerical setback, Morocco extended its lead early in the second half. Abderrahmane Arkid, the FUS Rabat defender, restored a two-goal cushion in the 49th minute. What followed was a sustained Turkish pressure campaign built on their player advantage. Berkay Aslan pulled one back before Emir Tuğra Tarhan levelled the tie deep in stoppage time, denying Morocco what would have been a commanding opening victory.
Squandered control in Group A opener
The result leaves the Moroccan delegation frustrated, having controlled proceedings for large stretches whilst severely hampered on the pitch. Group A duties continue Monday, 24 August at 9:30 AM Moroccan time, when Tunisia provides the next opposition. A subsequent fixture against North Macedonia will follow, with the team’s tournament trajectory already shaped by this slip against the Turks.
