🔗 Share this article

The Morocco shook off a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring 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 slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.

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

El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring 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 Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.

Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Hosts

The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.

This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.

The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.