Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
