Morocco forced Iraq on the back foot right from the opening whistle with the early onslaught bearing fruits for the African side in the 19th minute when Achraf Hakimi weaved past three Iraqi markers before crossing to Amir Richardson to score with a stooping header.

AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Most Valuable Player, Soufiane Rahimi nearly doubled his side’s lead when he rounded Iraq goalkeeper Hussein Hasan but Suad Natiq was on hand to block the goal-bound shot.

However, the Al Ain FC forward was not to be denied in the 28th minute as he reacted quickest to poke home a rebound from close range following an Ilias Akhomach header to make it 2-0.

Needing to alter proceedings, head coach Radhi Shenaishil made two changes after just half an hour of play, sending on forwards Nihad Mohammed and Ali Jasim.

Despite Nihad producing Iraq’s first shot on target, Morocco increased their lead in the 36th minute through Abde Ezzalzouli, who produced a stunning long range strike that swerved past Hasan.

Iraq came out in the second half more organised defensively and were able to stifle their opponents with just one shot afforded to Morocco in 20 minutes of play.

With half an eye on Friday’s quarter-final match, Morocco’s head coach Tarik Sektioui made four substitutions after the hour mark with Akhomach, Rahimi, Richardson and Oussama Targhalline replaced as the clock ticked down.

The Lions of Mesopotamia saw more of the ball in the final quarter of the match but weren’t able to trouble Morocco’s defence as their Paris 2024 challenge came to a halt in the group stage.