El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick 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 prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
