Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
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. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
