🔗 Share this article

Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.

This defender had just returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.

This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.