Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
