Hosts Morocco opened the 35th AFCON in style with a dominant performance, beating Comoros by two unanswered goals in a rain-drenched Group A match which was played on Sunday night at the 67,000-seater Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions began the match sluggishly without their key player, Achraf Hakimi, who started on the bench upon return from injury, with Comoros playing combatively for the opening half an hour.
Morocco missed a golden opportunity to take the lead late in the first half after the Comoros goalkeeper Ahmed Pandora saved Soufiane Rahijmi’s shot from the spot kick after being brought down, with the Coelacanths holding on for a stalemate heading into the interval.
The home side was forced to make an early change in the first half after their captain, Roamin Saiss, was involved in a collision.
It was, however, a different tale in the 2nd stanza, as the hosts increased the tempo of the match, which paid off in the 55th minute when dazzling Ibrahim Diaz connected a neat pass from Nouzir Mazraoui for the opener.
A few minutes later Comoros came close to an equaliser, but the unmarked Rafiki Said squandered a one-on-one with Moroccan keeper Yacine Bounou, who saved the ball from going in.
Wallid Regragui’s men extended their lead to put the match beyond the reach of the Islanders through a substitute, Ayoub El Kaabi’s scissor kick.
The slightly over 60,000 home fans who persevered the chilly weather had something to smile about with the victory as they now focus on their 2nd match against Mali on Boxing Day before wrapping up their Group A assignment against Zambia on the 30th of this month.
Speaking in a post-match interview, Morocco coach Regragui admitted to playing under immense pressure, which resulted in a lack of concentration from his players, especially during the first half.
“We have been preparing for this game for a year and a half. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We had a bad start with the missed penalty and the injury-forced exit of Romain Saïss. At half-time, I wasn’t very satisfied with the team, and we spoke to put certain adjustments in place, which the players applied very quickly.” Regragui stated
Comoros tactician hailed his side’s performance despite the loss: “The team showed a good face, and Comorians can be proud of their country. We can’t say we played badly because we conceded two goals. Had Rafiki scored to make it 1–1, the scenario could have been different. Morocco are a great team; we have to accept defeat against such a side.”
The match was preceded by a colourful opening ceremony graced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and Crown Prince Hassan.
Nigerian pop star Davido, French Montana and RedOne were among the artists who lit up the opening ceremony.
The tournament enters its day two today with three matches on card one in group A and two opening group B fixtures.
Chipolopolo from Zambia will take on the Eagles of Mali at 5pm in Group A at the Mohammed VI stadium in Casablanca before the action shifts to Group B in Marrakech stadium starting at 8pm when the Bafana Bafana from South Africa will tackle their COSAFA counterparts, Angola’s Palancas Negras, in the 8pm kickoff.
Seven time champions the Pharoes from Egypt will conclude day two action against the Warriors from Zimbabwe at the Stade de Adrar in Agadir from 11pm Kenyan time and 9pm Morrocan time.
Morocco is hosting this year’s edition in 9 venues spread across six cities, with the final set for the 18th next month.
