🔗 Share this article

Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Chances

Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.

Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.

This defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.

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