Morocco opened their Africa Cup of Nations marketing campaign with a 2-0 win over Comoros, with targets from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi settling a contest that remained finely balanced till the hour mark.
The hosts dominated possession from the opening levels and had been handed an early alternative to take the lead when Brahim Diaz was fouled within the penalty space inside ten minutes.
Soufiane Rahimi stepped up from the spot, however his low effort was saved by Yannick Pandor, who guessed appropriately to his left.
Morocco continued to probe earlier than the interval, with makes an attempt from Azzedine Ounahi, Ismael Saibari and Nayef Aguerd failing to bother the goalkeeper.
A VAR evaluate halfway by way of the half confirmed no penalty following a handball enchantment involving Diaz, whereas Comoros carried occasional risk on the counter by way of Rafiki Mentioned and Youssouf M’Changama.
Second half
The breakthrough arrived ten minutes after the restart. Noussair Mazraoui superior down the fitting and picked out Diaz within the field, and the winger completed confidently together with his proper foot into the underside nook to offer Morocco a deserved lead.
Comoros responded with elevated urgency and went shut when Rafiki Mentioned examined Yassine Bounou from shut vary, however the Morocco goalkeeper dealt comfortably with the hassle.
Morocco strengthened their grip on the match within the 74th minute. Anass Salah-Eddine delivered a low ball into the realm, the place Ayoub El Kaabi met it first time to information a left-footed end previous Pandor and double the benefit.
The aim adopted a interval of sustained strain and successfully ended Comoros’ hopes of a comeback.
