Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further 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 Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
