Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
