Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
