Moroccan soccer team loses friendly against France

The Moroccan soccer team was defeated on Wednesday by 1-0 in the friendly they played in Marseille against France, the World cup champions.

The French team, which was beefed by its all world cup stars including Zineddine Ziddane, Leboeuf, Thuram and others, capitalised in the 47th minute thanks to their by midfield Djorkaeff who scored his 20th goal for "Les Bleus."

The Moroccans took however an upper hand in the opening period of the match but France dominated the second half against their tiring opponents.

The Friendly is part of the two countries preparations for the upcoming international and regional events namely African and European Nations Cups.

Moroccan and French Olympic teams also played in Marseille a friendly ending a 2-2 draw. The Moroccans made a good performance and opened the score by Saad in the 15 minute before Moreire netted the equalizer in the 34th minutes. Rising striker Maoulida scored the 2nd French goal few minutes before the referee whistled the end of the 1st half. Moroccan Zerouali scored in the 48th to end the match with a 2-2 fair tie. The friendly was an opportunity for Moroccans to improve tactics in preparations for the Olympic games due in Sidney in 2000.