🔗 Share this article

Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a far from convincing performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances

The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.

The centre-back had just returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.

This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.