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National teams 25 March 2024, 16:30

A debut for Ben Seghir, a title for Balogun... A look back at our internationals' weekend

A debut for Ben Seghir, a title for Balogun... A look back at our internationals' weekend
It was a great debut in his new colors for one and a major trophy for the second, as Eliesse Ben Seghir and Folarin Balogun distinguished themselves this weekend with their national teams. Here are the details of their performances.

With the international break is in full swing, the Club’s internationals showed up this weekend, whether it was to celebrate a first cap like Eliesse Ben Seghir or to lift a trophy for the second time in his career like Folarin Balogun.

A first cap for Eliesse Ben Seghir

The Academy-trained attacking midfielder was rewarded with a call-up for the Atlas Lions following his last good performances at AS Monaco (scoring a goal against Strasbourg). The player had notably featured in several good matches with the French youth teams (U18 and U19), and it is quite logical that Walid Regragui decided to select him during this break.

He was thus called up for two friendly matches against Angola on March 22 then Mauritania on March 26. The player therefore made his big debut with Morocco this Friday against Angola. A starter at kick-off, Eliesse Ben Seghir impressed, playing 88 minutes on the left wing.

Very involved in this match, he did not hesitate to showcase his quality crossing the ball and to bring balance to his side. It was even he who initiated the opening goal by finding Yahia Attiyat Allah with a deep ball for a cross. David Carmo, the Angolan defender, scored an own goal following this action and allowed the Atlas Lions to win with a score of 1-0. Well done Eliesse! 👏

A second title for Folarin Balogun

If his Moroccan teammate celebrated his first cap, for Folarin Balogun the stakes of this international break were just as important. Selected by his coach to play in the final stages of the CONCACAF Nations League, he made it a double blow by winning this trophy, a year after the last edition which saw the United States also win.

Qualified for the semifinals of the competition, the United States faced Jamaica after a victory in a double-legged tie against Trinidad and Tobago in the quarterfinals, where Folarin Balogun had an assist. Surprised by an opening goal early in the match, the Americans pushed hard until they finally broke down the Jamaican defense with an own goal in the last minute.

Back-to-back for the United States

In extra time, the United States dominated and took the lead twice. A 3-1 victory allowed Team USA to reach the final. For his part, the Monegasque striker distinguished himself for 63 minutes with several dangerous chances without managing to find the net.

In the final, Balo’ started on the bench against Mexico and replaced Haji Wright on the hour mark just after the United States’ second goal. He helped his team keep that score and sees his team win a new CONCACAF Nations League. Bravo Folarin! 🇺🇸

Photo: Icon Sport

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