Newly and controversially crowned African champions Morocco go head to head with Ecuador at the neutral Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on Friday in an international friendly.
This encounter marks the first time the Atlas Lions take to the field after being declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite losing the final to Senegal in January.
CAF later stripped the Teranga Lions of the crown, ruling that they breached regulations by leaving the field without the referee’s authorisation, awarding a 3-0 forfeit victory to Morocco.
In addition to our Austria vs Ghana prediction below, check out the rest of today's betting tips.
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Morocco vs Ecuador key stats
- Excluding the controversial AFCON final, Morocco have won five of their last seven matches in regulation time (D2).
- Only three of Ecuador’s last 16 outings have produced goals at both ends.
- A draw was recorded at half time in three of the Atlas Lions’ last four matches, including the AFCON final.
- Following the forfeit decision, Morocco are unbeaten in 24 outings across all competitions (D2).
Morocco vs Ecuador preview: Tight affair on the cards
| Morocco | vs | Ecuador |
|---|---|---|
| 8th | FIFA ranking | 23rd |
| Achraf Hakimi (93) | Most caps | Enner Valencia (103) |
| Ayoub El Kaabi (20) | Most goals | Enner Valencia (48) |
| 526 | Total Caps | 731 |
| 74 | Total goals | 89 |
| 7 | Uncapped players | 4 |
Morocco hosted the 2025 AFCON and many tipped them to lift the trophy given their recent progress and status as the highest-ranked side entering the tournament.
Few expected the end of their 50-year continental drought to arrive in such controversial fashion, especially after Brahim Diaz missed a late penalty following Senegal’s return to the pitch.
All Morocco’s last seven victories in regulation time have come with clean sheets.
Despite losing on the night in extra time, the hosts were later declared champions, meaning their lengthy unbeaten run remains intact on record.
Friday’s friendly marks Morocco’s first outing under new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi and the first-ever meeting with Ecuador, offering useful preparation ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Atlas Lions’ route to the global tournament was smooth, winning all eight qualification matches in Group E, and the eighth-ranked nation in the current FIFA standings will aim to extend that momentum.
Fifteen places behind Morocco in the global rankings, Ecuador also arrive in strong form, avoiding defeat in their last 15 outings thanks largely to defensive discipline.
Ecuador have not recorded back-to-back wins since March 2025.
The Tricolours have kept 12 clean sheets in that span, with their latest appearance producing a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in November after a run of friendly draws.
Before that sequence, Sebastian Beccacece’s side defeated Argentina in their final World Cup qualifier to finish second in the CONMEBOL standings and secure a fifth appearance at the tournament.
The Tricolours face Ivory Coast in their World Cup opener, making Friday’s clash ideal preparation against African opposition.
Morocco vs Ecuador form guide and betting tips
| Morocco | vs | Ecuador |
|---|---|---|
| W-W-L-W-W | Form | W-D-D-D-W |
| 9 | Goals For | 6 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 3 |
| W-W-W-W-W | Latest form (all competitions) | W-D-D-D-W |
Whispers predict: Morocco 1-0 Ecuador
Both sides enter this encounter in resilient form built on strong defending, so a tight contest is expected, making BTTS - No at 1.66 an appealing option.
With limited attacking output likely early on, recent matches for both teams suggest a half-time draw at 1.95 carries value.
Given the contest could be decided by a single moment, the Atlas Lions appear more likely to edge victory due to their stronger winning ratio, making a Morocco win at 2.35 worth consideration.
Combining Morocco win with BTTS - No increases value at 3.75, while a correct score of 1-0 in favour of the Atlas Lions is priced at 6.50.
> BTTS – No at 1.66 | Likelihood: Probable
> Half-time draw at 1.95 | Likelihood: Possible
> Match result – Morocco win at 2.35 | Likelihood: Possible
> Morocco win and BTTS No at 3.75 | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score – Morocco 1-0 Ecuador at 6.50 | Likelihood: Outsder