Achraf Hakimi, 27, the Paris Saint-Germain right-back, was decisive for Morocco, providing the assist for the equalizer against Ecuador, where Willian Pacho, 24, the Parisian club’s center-back, also wore the captain’s armband. Paris Saint-Germain thus saw its two key players involved in the same match, but not quite the same evening.
Morocco / Ecuador (1-1)
In this 1-1 draw between Morocco and Ecuador, Hakimi was the Parisian who fared best. Starting the match, captaining the side, and remaining on the pitch until the final whistle, he finally made his mark with his corner kick cross for Neil El Aynaoui’s equalizer in the 88th minute. His performance didn’t single-handedly turn the tide, but he embodied the player capable of turning a tight game around with a single, decisive moment.
On the other side, Pacho, also a starter and captain, played the entire match. Ecuador held onto their lead for a long time after John Yeboah’s opening goal, before conceding late in the game. The Parisian defender didn’t crumble, but he leaves with understandable frustration: that of a captain who had almost done the hard part.
Hakimi makes a big impact, Pacho lacks brilliance
Achraf Hakimi – Starting and captaining Morocco, he played the whole match and proved decisive with the assist for Neil El Aynaoui’s equalizer in the 88th minute. In terms of performance, it was a solid display from a key player: not necessarily his most dazzling of the international break, but still a match where he ultimately made a real impact in the final third, when his team needed him most. Rating: 7/10.
Willian Pacho – Starting and captaining Ecuador, he also played the entire match. While not decisive, he was a key part of a solid Ecuadorian defense, which took the lead through John Yeboah in the 48th minute before being pegged back late in the game. His performance was that of a serious and diligent defender, though the final whistle inevitably left a slightly bitter taste given the way the match unfolded. Rating: 6/10.
