It’s tough to gauge how good Morocco are from a gathering with a facet from the smallest nation of 24 competing at Afcon 2025 – and in entrance of their very own vociferous followers.

Comoros had been unbeaten as they topped their qualifying group forward of Tunisia and shocked Ghana on the final Afcon two years in the past.

Nonetheless, Morocco beat Comoros 3-1 to prime their group on the current Arab Cup in Qatar earlier than edging Jordan 3-2 after extra-time in Thursday’s ultimate.

That was with a very completely different squad than the one that’s at their residence event.

Comoros too solely had one participant from the Arab Cup beginning at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in opposition to the hosts.

Even so, it’s one other indication that Morocco have energy in depth.

This was three factors gained with out having to name on influential captain Achraf Hakimi, who was solely match for the bench after struggling an ankle damage enjoying for Paris St-Germain in a Champions League recreation in early November.

El Kaabi was himself a substitute earlier than the 32-year-old Olympiacos striker made a sensational goalscoring entrance with 25 minutes remaining.

OK, he didn’t fairly rise as excessive off the bottom as McTominay, but it surely was greeted with comparable gasps inside his residence stadium.

Morocco’s depth shall be examined extra in more durable challenges forward, beginning with Mali on Boxing Day after which Zambia on 29 December.

They may, although, be favourites to qualify from Group A because the look to win Afcon for the primary time since 1976 or a minimum of attain the ultimate for the primary time in 21 years.

A lot extra time for Clarke to guage the strengths and weaknesses of the facet Scotland will face on the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, USA on 19 June.