🔗 Share this article

Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances

The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Magic

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Hosts

The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.

The centre-back had just returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.

This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.