Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with 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 hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
The defender had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
