Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 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 Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
