Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
