Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock 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 square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
