El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.