Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring 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 across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
