🔗 Share this article

Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

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

Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Worry for Hosts

The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.

This defender had only returned to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.

This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.