The Digest:
Tournament favorites Morocco kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a controlled 2-0 victory over Comoros on Sunday, extending their world-record winning streak to 19 consecutive matches. Brahim Diaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi scored second-half goals in front of a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, setting a confident tone for the hosts’ pursuit of a third continental title.
Key Points:
- Diaz opened the scoring in the 55th minute after a saved penalty in the first half
- El Kaabi sealed the win with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick late in the match
- Captain Achraf Hakimi was rested as a precaution, recovering from an ankle injury
- Over 60,000 fans attended, including Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and FIFA President Gianni Infantino
- Morocco’s defense kept a clean sheet despite an early injury to veteran Romain Saiss
- The Atlas Lions face Mali next on Friday in a key Group A encounter
- Comoros, ranked 108th globally, defended resiliently but lacked an attacking threat
- The win reinforces Morocco’s status as tournament favorites and Africa’s top-ranked side
Sources: Complete Sports, Soccernet
