Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had just returned to the national side last month after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.