Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
