Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
