Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
