On a night where all eyes were on Morocco in the opening match against Comoros at the Africa Cup of Nations, in rainy Rabat, the Group A match delivered goals but also nerves, as the hosts won 2-0 after goals from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi.
How the match happened
The Atlas Lions missed an incredible chance to take an 11th-minute lead when defender Iyad Mohamed brought Diaz down in the penalty box. Still, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor saved Soufiane Rahimi's penalty with his left knee.
Comoros, located in the Indian Ocean, frustrated the Moroccans with their tough defensive work and resistance, but only held strong until just 10 minutes into the second half when midfielder Diaz, who was unmarked in the box, scored from close range after poncing on Noussair Mazraoui's low cross for a 1-0 lead.
The home support of 60,180 Moroccans set off wild and jubilant celebrations following the opening goal from Diaz, as the national Crown Prince was also in attendance at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Comoros also had a bright spell of their own, with forward Rafiki Said's effort saved by Atlas Lions goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, and Mazraoui saw his shot saved by Comoros' Pandor.
Second-half substitute El Kaabi, who replaced Rahimi on 65 minutes, scored a stunning overhead kick with 15 minutes left, to seal the game 2-0 for the North Africans and make sure that manager Walid Regragui's side started with victory.
More tests to come for hosts Morocco
Morocco, ranked the highest African side (11th) in the FIFA world rankings, have been in impressive form in the lead-up to the tournament, especially in their qualifying campaign, where they finished top of Group B with six wins from six and scored a staggering 24 goals.
The Atlas Lions, whose last major trophy was the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations, will be hoping they can go far in the AFCON competition, not just as hosts but also because of their football achievements, like their 2022 World Cup semi-final run in Qatar.
Tougher tests will come for Morocco as they will have their chance to show how well they can really do in this tournament, with group matches against Mali and Zambia to play in Group A.
What's next for Morocco and Comoros in Group A?
With the 2-0 victory in Rabat, the hosts take first position in the table with three points, while Comoros are bottom.
The Atlas Lions face Mali in their second match, whilst Comoros take on Zambia
Mali and Zambia, the two other teams in this group, meet tomorrow, Monday, December 22, at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca. Viewers in the U.S can watch the match live on TV on BeIN Sports from 9 AM ET/6 AM PT.
