\n<\/p>\n
It is difficult to gauge how good Morocco are from a meeting with a side from the smallest country of 24 competing at Afcon 2025 – and in front of their own vociferous fans.<\/p>\n
Comoros were unbeaten as they topped their qualifying group ahead of Tunisia and shocked Ghana at the last Afcon two years ago.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
That was with a completely different squad than the one that is at their home tournament.<\/p>\n
Comoros too only had one player from the Arab Cup starting at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium against the hosts.<\/p>\n
Even so, it is another indication that Morocco have strength in depth.<\/p>\n
This was three points gained without having to call on influential captain Achraf Hakimi, who was only fit for the bench after suffering an ankle injury playing for Paris St-Germain in a Champions League game in early November.<\/p>\n
El Kaabi was himself a substitute before the 32-year-old Olympiacos striker made a sensational goalscoring entrance with 25 minutes remaining. <\/p>\n
OK, he did not quite rise as high off the ground as McTominay, but it was greeted with similar gasps inside his home stadium.<\/p>\n
Morocco’s depth will be tested more in tougher challenges ahead, starting with Mali on Boxing Day and then Zambia on 29 December.<\/p>\n
They will, though, be favourites to qualify from Group A as the look to win Afcon for the first time since 1976 or at least reach the final for the first time in 21 years.<\/p>\n
Plenty more time for Clarke to judge the strengths and weaknesses of the side Scotland will face at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, USA on 19 June.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n