Morocco 2–0 Comoros: Diaz scores, but El Kaabi’s overhead kick steals the show | OneFootball

Morocco began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 victory over Comoros at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday evening.

Morocco expectedly dominated possession and were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute after Iyad Mohamed committed a foul in the penalty area.

Soufiane Rahimi stepped up to take the spot-kick, but goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled a massive save to keep his effort out.

Morocco suffered an injury blow in the 19th minute, as captain Romain Saiss came off and was replaced by Jawad El Yamiq.

Right on the half-hour mark, Ismael Saibari curled a shot that drifted past the post as Morocco kept pushing for the opening goal.

Despite the Atlas Lions’ dominance, they found it challenging to break down a well-drilled Comoros defence before the break.

Shortly after the restart, Morocco’s Anass Salah-Eddine whipped a brilliant cross in the box for Neil El Aynaoui, who could only put his effort wide.

Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz broke the deadlock for the host country with a side-footed finish after Noussair Mazraoui threaded a pass to him.

At the opposite end, Rafiki Said almost drew level for Comoros against the run of play, but Yassine Bounou kept his effort out.

Mazraoui forced Pandor to make a brilliant save as the latter’s outstretched arm parried the Manchester United star’s shot away.

Ayoub El Kaabi gave Morocco a two-goal cushion with a overhead kick from Salah-Eddine’s brilliant lofted pass, sending coach Walid Regragui to wild jubilation.

Ahmed Soilihi squandered a chance to pull one back for Comoros on the stroke of full-time, ensuring Morocco ran out 2-0 winners.

Morocco are back in action on Friday when they face Mali, while Comoros face Zambia.