🔗 Share this article

Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity

The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Worry for Hosts

The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.

This defender had only returned to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.

The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.