🔗 Share this article

Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Start and Missed Chances

Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.

Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.

Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Hosts

The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.

The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.

The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.