El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
