Gaoussou Diarra came off the bench to score a spectacular equaliser as Mali drew 1-1 with Morocco in a friendly at the Grand Stade de Tanger.
The Feyenoord winger made an immediate impact after being introduced in the 65th minute, meeting a long-range free-kick with a first-time volley that flew beneath the crossbar.
Morocco had taken the lead shortly after the half-hour mark through a penalty from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli. The Betis forward was brought down inside the area before taking responsibility from the spot and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with a precise finish.
The hosts controlled much of the match in Tangier, but Mali found a way back into the contest through Diarra’s outstanding strike. The goal brought the visitors level and ensured the friendly remained finely balanced.
The match had originally been scheduled to see Morocco face Ghana, but Ghana withdrew from the fixture. Mali were brought in as their replacement.
Morocco named Ismael Saibari and Anass Salah-Eddine, who currently plays for Panathinaikos, in their starting line-up. Abdellah Ouazane of Ajax and Oussama Targhalline of Feyenoord were named among the substitutes.
Both sides created further opportunities after the equaliser, but neither could find a winner and the game ended in a draw.
Diarra has scored once for Feyenoord this season, and his performance against Morocco offered another indication of the Mali international’s attacking potential. Despite the presence of players from the Eredivisie, their overall involvement remained limited, with Targhalline and Ouazane both staying on the bench.
