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Rabat- Morocco’s A’ national team began their Arab Cup journey today with a 3–1 win over Comoros, but coach Tarik Skitioui was quick to emphasize that the opening win came against far tougher opposition than the FIFA ranking (108th) suggests.
The match, played on the first day of the group stage for Group C, saw Morocco strike three times before the break, giving them the perfect situation to manage the rhythm in the second half. Yet despite the comfortable lead, Skitioui underlined that his players had to work hard for it.
“Comoros are a difficult team. We could have suffered the same fate as Tunisia and Qatar,” Skitioui warned after the match, referring to the two major upsets of the tournament’s opening day. He pointed to the qualities that make Comoros a dangerous opponent: fast wide players “capable of very effective transitions,” and defenders who “can deliver long passes that create danger and destabilise the balance of the team.”
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‘Respect every team in the tournament’
Comoros’ performance in their previous outing reinforced his point. “Comoros even dominated their previous match against Yemen. Despite the goals they conceded, it’s not easy to play against a team of this caliber and dimension. Had we shown any complacency, we would have faced real trouble, just like what happened to Tunisia and Qatar — with all due respect to every team in the tournament.”
For Skitioui, the early matches have offered a clear lesson: there are no guarantees in this Arab Cup. “As I’ve said before, there are no small or big teams. The real difference is made on the pitch.”
The Atlas Lions coach also expressed satisfaction with the way his side handled the occasion and the tactical challenges posed by Comoros. “First of all, I’m happy with this victory,” he said. “Yesterday’s results confirm how difficult this competition is. Matches are no longer easy, and no team can be considered small or big. To take the three points, you must be ready mentally and physically. And our players approached the match with real seriousness.”
‘The road ahead is still long and difficult’
His team’s strong start reflected that mindset. Morocco’s three first-half goals allowed them to dictate the second period, even as Comoros adjusted and pushed to get back into the game.
“In the second half, we had to deal with an opponent playing with four defenders and two midfielders, trying to get back into the match,” Skitioui recalled. “We were smart and relied on counterattacks. There was a clear penalty, and we could have scored more. What matters is winning the opening match, because the start is always decisive.”
Before leaving the press area, Skitioui made sure to congratulate his players. “I’m proud of their spirit, their courage, and their commitment on the pitch — but the road ahead is still long and difficult.”
Morocco’s win places them in a strong position early in the competition, but for Skitioui, in a tournament already marked by surprises, complacency is not an option. The favourites will need to remain sharp, focused, and ready for every challenge the Arab Cup throws at them.
