Comoros were unbeaten as they topped their qualifying group ahead of Tunisia and shocked Ghana at the last Afcon two years ago. However, Morocco beat Comoros 3-1 to top their group at the recent Arab Cup in Qatar before edging Jordan 3-2 after extra-time in Thursday's final. Comoros too only had one player from the Arab Cup starting at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium against the hosts. El Kaabi was himself a substitute before the 32-year-old Olympiacos striker made a sensational goalscoring entrance with 25 minutes remaining. Morocco's depth will be tested more in tougher challenges ahead, starting with Mali on Boxing Day and then Zambia on 29 December.

Source: BBC December 21, 2025 23:11 UTC