Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met 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 might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
