Comoros put up a valiant fight, executing a disciplined game plan designed to stifle the red-hot Atlas Lions but their resolve finally broke after 55 minutes of relentless pressure.
From the opening whistle, Comoros embraced their underdog status, sitting deep and playing a reactive game.
Their defensive discipline was anchored by the formidable centre-back partnership of Yannis Kari and Ahmed Soilihi, who successfully frustrated the Moroccan frontline for much of the first half.
The visitors faced their first major test in the 10th minute when Congolese referee Jean Jacques awarded Morocco a controversial penalty after Brahim Díaz went down easily in the box.
However, Soufiane Rahimi’s following effort was brilliantly palmed away by goalkeeper Yannick Marc Ahmed Pandor, keeping the scores level.
Despite Morocco’s constant pressure, Comoros remained composed, effectively squeezing the pitch and limiting the space for the Atlas Lions to exploit behind the backline.
How the game turned
The dynamic shifted significantly in the second half. Morocco emerged from the break with renewed aggression, immediately pinning Comoros into their own half.
Unlike the first period, the hosts increased their attacking tempo and precision, depriving the Comoros defense of the time needed to reorganise between waves of pressure.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 54th minute. Sofyan Amrabat floated a delicate ball over the defense; Noussair Mazraoui reacted sharply, chasing it down to the byline to prevent a goal kick.
Mazraoui then cut a perfectly weighted low cross back into the danger zone where Brahim Díaz was waiting to provide the clinical finish.
Morocco doubled their lead shortly after through a similar attacking phase. Anass Salah Eddine delivered a superb cross into the box, met by Ayoub El Kaabi, whose spectacular overhead kick left the keeper helpless.
While Morocco ultimately secured the win as favourites, Comoros proved that a well-organised and disciplined backline can cause significant frustration for the Atlas Lions.