Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
