Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 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 Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
