Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
