Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
