Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
