Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
