Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
