Host country, Morocco on Sunday evening commenced its African Cup of Nations championship with a two goal win over Comoros.
It was a huge win for the North African country which is hosting the derby which will see Nigeria in its first match on Tuesday.
The opening match which followed immediately after the colourful opening ceremony saw the Comorans holding tight to their defence while the host country struggled to penetrate what appeared to be an impregnable defence wall.
This was the situation till the first 45 minutes ended leading to a goalless draw at the end of the first half of the encounter.
However the second half of the match played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, saw Morocco coming back with aggression leading to the first goal for them at the 55th minute by Brahim Diaz.
The second goal came at the 74th minute through Ayoub El-Kaabi.
NPO Reports that Morocco had lost a penalty shootout in the first half when the country was awarded one. Comoros goalkeeper had deflected the shot hitting him in the thigh which led to be ball being booted out.