Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
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 saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
