Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
