Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
