What Did Scotland Discover About Morocco Beyond McTominay's Finish?

Morocco opened their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Comoros, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical depth. With goals from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi, they extended their world-record winning streak to 19 matches, a crucial indicator of their form ahead of the tournament. This match provided key insights into Morocco's strengths, particularly their ability to create scoring opportunities and maintain pressure.

Last updated: 19 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Morocco's victory against Comoros marks a strong start to their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey, setting the tone for their ambitions in the tournament. With their next matches against Mali and Zambia, the Atlas Lions look to build on this momentum. The victory not only highlights Morocco's attacking capabilities but also their resilience, as they managed to secure the win despite not having their captain Achraf Hakimi fully fit.

Key takeaways

• Morocco's attacking depth was evident with goals from Diaz and El Kaabi.
• The team's high-tempo style of play effectively pressured Comoros.
• Defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, which Scotland could exploit.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to Morocco's opening AFCON match can be summarised as follows:

• 1 November 2023: Achraf Hakimi suffers an ankle injury during a Champions League match.
• 15 December 2023: Morocco defeats Comoros 2-0 in their AFCON 2025 opener.
• 19 December 2023: Morocco prepares for their next matches against Mali and Zambia.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Morocco's performance in their opening match showed a strong attacking front and a willingness to maintain pressure on their opponents. Ayoub El Kaabi’s stunning overhead kick was a highlight, demonstrating the team's creativity and skill in front of goal. Additionally, Brahim Diaz's return to scoring form after a brief drought is a promising sign for Morocco's offensive capabilities.

What was already established

Prior to this match, Morocco had already established itself as a formidable team in international football, boasting a world-record streak of consecutive wins. Their tactical versatility and depth in squad have been apparent in previous tournaments, and their ability to perform without key players like Hakimi further underscores their strength.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The performance of the Moroccan team in the AFCON could impact the viewing habits of UK residents, particularly those with an interest in international football. The tournament may drive increased engagement with sports broadcasters and entice viewers to explore the African football scene.

Businesses and jobs

Sports-related businesses, including merchandise sales and broadcasting rights, may see an uptick in interest during the tournament. Additionally, UK-based companies involved in sports marketing could benefit from the heightened visibility of the AFCON.

Policy and regulation

As Morocco progresses in the tournament, there may be discussions regarding the support of international sporting events and the promotion of multicultural engagement within the UK. The success of teams like Morocco can bolster calls for increased investment in diverse sporting initiatives.

Numbers that matter

• 19: The number of consecutive victories for Morocco following their win against Comoros.
• 60,180: The capacity crowd at Rabat's stadium for the opening match.
• 108: The FIFA ranking of Comoros, showcasing Morocco's victory against a lower-ranked opponent.

Definitions and jargon buster

• AFCON: Africa Cup of Nations, the main international football competition in Africa.
• Atlas Lions: The nickname for the Morocco national football team.
• High-tempo game: A style of play characterised by fast movement and quick transitions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Morocco will face Mali and Zambia in their upcoming matches. Observing their performance in these games will be crucial for assessing their chances of progressing in the tournament.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If Morocco performs well in the AFCON, they could gain significant momentum heading into World Cup qualifiers later in the year. Their squad depth will be tested, particularly if they advance to the later stages of the tournament.

Signals to watch

• Morocco's performance against Mali and Zambia.
• Injury updates regarding key players like Achraf Hakimi.
• Shifts in team strategy based on opponent analysis.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow Morocco's matches to gauge their form and tactics.
• Engage with local sports communities to discuss the tournament.
• Keep an eye on player performances, especially those with ties to the UK.

Don’t

• Underestimate the impact of Morocco's performance on international football dynamics.
• Ignore the potential cultural exchanges stemming from the tournament.

Checklist

• Check the schedules for Morocco's upcoming matches.
• Monitor player injury updates regularly.
• Engage with sports analysis and commentary on Morocco's tactics.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Morocco's victory against Comoros is promising, it is essential to recognise the limitations of drawing conclusions from a match against a lower-ranked opponent. Factors such as player fitness, tactical adjustments from upcoming opponents, and the unpredictability inherent in knockout tournaments could all influence Morocco's performance as the competition progresses.

Bottom line

Morocco's opening AFCON match highlights their attacking strengths and tactical depth, but it also exposes areas for improvement as they move forward. With their sights set on success, both in AFCON and future competitions, it will be crucial for them to maintain their form and address any weaknesses exposed during play.

FAQs

What is the significance of Morocco's victory in their opening match?

Morocco's victory is significant as it extends their record of consecutive wins, showcasing their strong form and setting a positive tone for their AFCON campaign.

Who scored the goals for Morocco against Comoros?

Brahim Diaz opened the scoring, followed by a stunning overhead kick from Ayoub El Kaabi to secure the 2-0 victory.

What challenges might Morocco face in the upcoming matches?

Morocco may face challenges from teams like Mali and Zambia, particularly in terms of maintaining their defensive solidity and adapting their tactics to counter different playing styles.