Unbeaten in 30 matches going into the clash, Morocco did not take long to open the scoring, as Brahim Diaz played in Ismael Saibari.
Forced wide by his marker, the soon-to-be Bayern Munich striker went for goal from a difficult angle, smashing a stunning effort into the top corner.
The lead was nearly doubled a few minutes later, as Ryan Christie was caught on the ball. However, Azzedine Ounahi’s cross just missed two of his teammates.
The Atlas Lions continued to look the more dangerous team, as Scotland keeper Angus Gunn was called into action 18 minutes in. Achraf Hakimi stuck a foot out to put the ball towards goal, but Gunn was able to make the save.
Morocco kept the pressure coming, as Bilal El Khannouss was fed in with a chance to score after a coming together in the midfield. However, the Stuttgart man could not keep his shot down, skying his attempt instead after it took a nasty bobble.
The Scots only managed one meaningful attack in the first half, as Andy Robertson marauded forward and tried to find John McGinn on the other wing. While he did pick out the Aston Villa captain, the angle was too tight, as McGinn failed to properly connect with the ball.
Scotland started the brighter of the two teams in the second half as they pushed for an equaliser. They wanted a penalty when McGinn was bundled over by Neil El Aynaoui. Morocco soon regained control, and Saibari was unlucky to not to score a second when his shot was deflected off the bar and stayed out.
El Khannouss then got his head on a corner, forcing an important save by Gunn. Later on, Scott McTominay got forward and had an effort blocked while Chemsdine Talbi had a chance to add a second in stoppage time, but could only put his effort over the bar.
Despite going forward a bit more often, the Tartan Army seldom registered a shot on target throughout the match, failing to test Bono in the Moroccan net. They drop to second spot in Group D, and could slip to third should Brazil, who they face next Wednesday, win later on.
As for Morocco, they will claim top place for the time being, and are in a strong position to advance. Next for the Atlas Lions will be Haiti, also next Wednesday.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Brahim Diaz (Morocco)
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