El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
